Chinese 'nightingale' wins Western hearts
By Xu Wei |
April 27, 2012, Friday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
RENOWNED coloratura soprano Huang Ying (right) is known as the "nightingale from China," performing worldwide in operas and concerts, on television, in film and in recording studios.
Last Sunday (April 22) Huang performed in an outdoor concert celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Weekly Radio Concert, promoting classical music to the general population.
She is described as having a tender voice, flexible and excellent technique, authentic musical style and passionate stage performance.
The Shanghai native is the first Chinese vocalist to perform a major operatic role in an opera movie.
Huang first came to international attention at age 27, when she made a sensational debut as Cio-Cio San in Frederic Mitterrand's 1995 feature film "Madame Butterfly." In 2006, she starred in "The Magic Flute" at the Metropolitan Opera, which was broadcast worldwide. The New York Times praised her "bright tone" and "supple phrasing" and declared her "suited to Mozart."
Meanwhile, the versatile artist has dedicated herself to Chinese contemporary operas. She worked with Tan Dun to prepare the opera "The First Emperor" and starred in his "Peony Pavilion," which was later recorded by Sony. She also performed in Guo Wenjing's "The Poet Li Bai." Last year the Pulitzer Prize in music went to composer Zhou Long for his opera "Madame White Snake," in which Huang played the title role in the premier production.
She spoke to Shanghai Daily.
Q: When did your affinity with music start?
A: I am very lucky to be gifted with a good voice and talent. I believe in destiny. When I attended a children's art troupe, my talent was first discovered. My five-year study at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music broadened my musical horizons and set a good foundation in language and singing skills.
Q: Is there a most memorable performance?
A: I have performed with many artists such as Placido Domingo, Michael Bolton, Jose Carreras and Andrea Bocelli. It's hard to say which is most impressive. Unlike many other young singers, I had a high profile beginning in the film "Madame Butterfly." However, overnight fame is a two-edged sword. With little stage experience then, I had to work very hard to keep moving forward. As a Chinese soprano, a big challenge is language. I need to know all the languages I sing so that I can truly understand the character and stand out in Western auditions.
Q: It is said you are particularly suited to Mozart. Do you agree?
A: I compare Mozart's works to the feeling of smiling through tears. Mozart encourages me in spiritual purity. It's very difficult for a vocalist to perform Mozart since one needs to master good breath control technique.
Q: How do you interact with Western audiences?
A: I have played more than 10 major roles so far. Sometimes I also failed auditions. But I never give up. Compared with Western opera singers, I must make much more effort to portray the character. I must spend time learning the language and Western cultures. Competition is always fierce. Without passion, strong self-confidence and perseverance, one cannot survive. I pour my heart and soul into each character. I think audiences can feel that - that's how I interacting with them.
Q: You have performed with a variety of musicians and in crossover. So you're not limited to classical music?
A: Opera has a history of more than 400 years. I always try to bring new vitality to the art form so it appeals to the young generation. I have made attempts in crossover concerts and albums. Working with artists in other music genres such as pop, rock, Peking and Kunqu operas gives me new inspiration and broadens my vision.
Q: What are your plans?
A: My focus will be mainly China and Asia. I plan to bring more outstanding Chinese opera performances to the world, while introducing classical and Western shows to China through the Weekly Radio Concert. I hope my next performance will be a Chinese opera or a crossover production. There are many superb Chinese compositions and melodies. But I'm looking for a good opera script.
Last Sunday (April 22) Huang performed in an outdoor concert celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Weekly Radio Concert, promoting classical music to the general population.
She is described as having a tender voice, flexible and excellent technique, authentic musical style and passionate stage performance.
The Shanghai native is the first Chinese vocalist to perform a major operatic role in an opera movie.
Huang first came to international attention at age 27, when she made a sensational debut as Cio-Cio San in Frederic Mitterrand's 1995 feature film "Madame Butterfly." In 2006, she starred in "The Magic Flute" at the Metropolitan Opera, which was broadcast worldwide. The New York Times praised her "bright tone" and "supple phrasing" and declared her "suited to Mozart."
Meanwhile, the versatile artist has dedicated herself to Chinese contemporary operas. She worked with Tan Dun to prepare the opera "The First Emperor" and starred in his "Peony Pavilion," which was later recorded by Sony. She also performed in Guo Wenjing's "The Poet Li Bai." Last year the Pulitzer Prize in music went to composer Zhou Long for his opera "Madame White Snake," in which Huang played the title role in the premier production.
She spoke to Shanghai Daily.
Q: When did your affinity with music start?
A: I am very lucky to be gifted with a good voice and talent. I believe in destiny. When I attended a children's art troupe, my talent was first discovered. My five-year study at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music broadened my musical horizons and set a good foundation in language and singing skills.
Q: Is there a most memorable performance?
A: I have performed with many artists such as Placido Domingo, Michael Bolton, Jose Carreras and Andrea Bocelli. It's hard to say which is most impressive. Unlike many other young singers, I had a high profile beginning in the film "Madame Butterfly." However, overnight fame is a two-edged sword. With little stage experience then, I had to work very hard to keep moving forward. As a Chinese soprano, a big challenge is language. I need to know all the languages I sing so that I can truly understand the character and stand out in Western auditions.
Q: It is said you are particularly suited to Mozart. Do you agree?
A: I compare Mozart's works to the feeling of smiling through tears. Mozart encourages me in spiritual purity. It's very difficult for a vocalist to perform Mozart since one needs to master good breath control technique.
Q: How do you interact with Western audiences?
A: I have played more than 10 major roles so far. Sometimes I also failed auditions. But I never give up. Compared with Western opera singers, I must make much more effort to portray the character. I must spend time learning the language and Western cultures. Competition is always fierce. Without passion, strong self-confidence and perseverance, one cannot survive. I pour my heart and soul into each character. I think audiences can feel that - that's how I interacting with them.
Q: You have performed with a variety of musicians and in crossover. So you're not limited to classical music?
A: Opera has a history of more than 400 years. I always try to bring new vitality to the art form so it appeals to the young generation. I have made attempts in crossover concerts and albums. Working with artists in other music genres such as pop, rock, Peking and Kunqu operas gives me new inspiration and broadens my vision.
Q: What are your plans?
A: My focus will be mainly China and Asia. I plan to bring more outstanding Chinese opera performances to the world, while introducing classical and Western shows to China through the Weekly Radio Concert. I hope my next performance will be a Chinese opera or a crossover production. There are many superb Chinese compositions and melodies. But I'm looking for a good opera script.
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