Chinese opera singers dazzle audience in Vancouver

Opera singers from China's Central Conservatory of Music staged a wonderful show on Wednesday night at the University of British Columbia (UBC) here.

They sang both Chinese songs as well as classic Western operas, such as "Comfort ye, my people" from Messiah, and "Sola, perduta, abbandonata" from Menon Lescaut.

They also sang highlights of the famous opera Aida, and were later joined by the students of UBC Opera Ensemble.

Opera singer Wu Yanyu, who sang the highlights of Aida, was particularly welcomed by the audience for her excellent voice.

Richard Kurth, director of UBC school of music, told Xinhua at the concert that China's Central Conservatory of Music was invited by UBC under the cultural exchange program between the two institutions at a time when UBC is celebrating its centennial anniversary.

"I would like to see some more projects that involve students from both institutions performing together side by side. I think that's the most exciting way for young people to share music together, and also learn about each other's culture and language," he said.

Nancy Hermiston, head of voice and opera at UBC school of music, echoed Kurth's words and praised the fantastic singers from Beijing.

"We both have very high quality programs in our own countries, so it's wonderful to have the opportunity to work together, and we hope this would be the beginning of many more collaborations between UBC and China's Central Conservatory of Music," she said.

Hermiston said the Central Conservatory of Music has performed in Canada over the past few years but this is the first time for the Conservatory's Opera Center to perform in North America.

After the performances in UBC, the Chinese opera singers will head to the University of California, Los Angeles, next week to give another concert before returning to Beijing. Endi