Two charities that nurture the arts will receive $250,000 from a prestigious opera troupe .

The Wuchuan City Cantonese Opera troupe raised the sum through donations and sponsorship for its four-night performance at the Kreta Ayer People's Theatre.

The money will go to the Sing50 Fund and The Business Times Budding Artists Fund, and is eligible for the Government's dollar-for-dollar matching scheme.

The Sing50 Fund, managed by non-profit group The Rice Company, funds programmes that promote the appreciation and performance of Singapore music and songs.

The Business Times Budding Artists Fund gives those aged seven to 19 from low-income families the opportunity to pursue arts training.

The opera troupe from Guangdong province in China, which has a 61-year history, performed in Singapore from Thursday last week until yesterday.

The event was organised by non-profit group Acre Aces and produced by The Rice Company.

Acre Aces founder Jeannie Tien said: "We're very honoured to have the Wuchuan City Cantonese Opera troupe to promote the rich heritage and culture of Chinese opera, and, at the same time, help us do our part for charity.

"We hope that more people in Singapore will learn about and appreciate traditional Cantonese opera."

Carolyn Khew