Philadelphia Chinese Opera Society (PCOS) is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of the Chinese community through the study, teaching, and performance of Beijing opera (also known as Jing Ju, or Peking Opera). Dating back over two thousand years, this highly developed and stylized art form is a synthesis of many Chinese cultural elements: song, music, dance, dramatization, martial arts, acrobatics, costume, face painting, folk art, and traditional narratives.
Extraordinary masters from important Beijing opera families along with many dedicated learners came together in February 1999 to establish PCOS in Philadelphia, making it our region’s first and only Chinese opera organization. Based in Chinatown and led by acclaimed Artistic Director Shuyuan Li. PCOS conducts classes on all aspects of Chinese Opera, hosts educational activities, and performs throughout the region for special engagements and longer touring schedules.
PCOS members are committed to discovering and perpetuating Chinese opera, and they draw equal value from the art form and the community that they create in the process of learning and performing together.
