Singapore, 7 September 2017 (Thursday) – Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) will feature three internationally-renowned bel canto vocalists for the first time – Huang Ying (soprano), Zhang Jianyi (tenor) and Zhou Zhengzhong (baritone). They will join SCO to present a vast repertoire of Chinese and Western pieces to represent the Silk Road. Silk Road Extravaganza will be held on 23 September 2017 (Saturday), 7.30pm, at the Esplanade Concert Hall.
The Silk Road represents a series of trade routes (both land and sea) that spread from Asia to Europe which traders took. The name was derived from the profitable silk trade which took place along the trade routes, and it was a major factor in the development of civilisations and improvements in relations between the East and West. This concert presents the Silk Road through a repertoire of pieces and vocal masterpieces to illustrate the journey from east to west, sung through the beautiful vocals of The Three Bel Canto.
Hailed “the nightingale from China”, Huang Ying is a lyrical soprano and opera singer. She is well-known for her operatic interpretation of Mozart and for being the first Chinese vocalist to take on a protagonist role in an opera movie in 1995, the acclaimed Madama Butterfly. Huang Ying will be the solo vocalist for the following pieces: Les filles de cadix by Leo Delibes which has been adapted by Eric Watson, and China, My Love composed by Zheng Qiufeng and orchestrated by Chow Jun Yi.
Lyrical tenor Zhang Jianyi is the only Chinese-born opera singer who is represented by recording company Universal. His precise interpretation of music and exquisite voice led him to be the regular guest in the world leading opera companies. The vocal pieces that Zhang Jianyi will be performing include: Bring Him Home from Les Miserables which was composed by Claude-Michel Schonberg and orchestrated by Law Wai Lun and Why Are The Flowers So Red, a Tajik folk song rearranged by Lei Zhanbang and adapted by Phoon Yew Tien.
Baritone Zhou Zhengzhong is currently a vocal teacher at the Wuhan Conservatory of Music and is active in leading opera companies world-wide. He won the first place at the International Opera Singing Competition of Marmande. Zhou Zhengzhong will be performing songs such as: The Vagrant’s Homesickness which was composed by Wulan Tuoga and has been adapted by Phoon Yew Tien, and Largo al factotum from the opera The Barber of Seville which was adapted by Eric Watson.
The Three Bel Canto will sing two songs at the finale, adapted by Law Wai Lun: O sole mio composed by Eduardo di Capua and My Homeland composed by Liu Chi, to give a rousing end to this concert. Please refer to Annex A for the concert programme.
Due to unexpected circumstances, Liao Changyong is unable to participate in this concert. He is replaced with renowned baritone Zhou Zhengzhong, who will share the stage with soprano Huang Ying and tenor Zhang Jianyi. Due to the replacement of baritone vocalist, current ticket holders who require assistance with purchased tickets may contact SISTIC at 6348 5555.
Concert Details:
Silk Road Extravaganza
Date: 23 September 2017 (Saturday)
Time: 7.30pm
Venue: Esplanade Concert Hall
Ticket prices (before SISTIC fees): $198*, $168*, $128*, $108, $68, $48*
*Sold Out
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Valesha Soon Weixuan
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Koh Mui Leng
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