Yuet Sing Cantonese Music Club of Montréal was founded in 1970 by a small group of opera lovers, most of whom immigrated from Guangdong, China. In its early years, the association consisted of just a handful of amateur musicians and singers. Over time, however, membership steadily grew, and the club now boasts nearly 30 active members.
During the late 1970s until early 1990s, Yuet Sing presented numerous full-length operas and took part in many community events, including the annual Autumn Moon Festival, Chinese New Year celebrations, and other community gatherings. Under the tutelage of Mr. Cheng Chap Hei, the lead percussionist and maestro, who passed away in 1995, Yuet Sing captivated audiences with its dynamic and engaging performances.
Over the years, it has become increasingly difficult for Yuet Sing to put-on full-length performances. Nevertheless, the club continues to have an active presence in the Montréal’s Chinatown. Beyond their annual fundraising presentations in Chinatown, Yuet Sing has been featured in public presentations at La Salle du Gesù and at La Chapelle Historique de Bon-Pasteur in 2000 in De Tout Cœur – 50 ans de de l’opéra cantonais à Montréal.
To this day, club members meet weekly in Chinatown to keep their passion alive, while some of the musicians also play in private singing sessions organized for opera lovers who are non-club members.