“The Academic School” Concert Series Showcases Chinese Vocal Works in Shanghai
Shanghai, June 25th – The first performance of the “Academic School” concert series, featuring Chinese vocal works, took place at the Mass Art Museum in Pudong New District, Shanghai. The concert, a collaboration between the Pudong Philharmonic Orchestra and the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, showcased young singers performing classic Chinese vocal works with bel canto. The lyrics of the songs were derived from Chinese poetry, ranging from ancient texts to contemporary works.
The concert series aims to promote cultural exchange and professional development in the field of vocal music. Zhou Zheng, a baritone singer and professor at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, explained that Chinese and foreign poetry share similarities in their composition to music. He highlighted the influence of German and Austrian art songs, which use poems as lyrics, in the development of the art song genre. The concert series seeks to introduce this genre to China and showcase the beauty and depth of Chinese poetry through music.
One of the highlights of the concert was the performance of “The Great River Going East,” which is considered the first true art song in China. The lyrics of the song were adapted from “Niannujiao Chibi Nostalgia,” a poem by Su Shi from the Song Dynasty. The composer, Liao Shangguo (Qingzhu), composed the song while studying in Germany in 1920. Influenced by Western composition techniques and the art songs of Schubert and Wolff, Liao created a piece that captures the essence of the original poem and combines it with a Western musical style.
Chen Jiongran, one of the singers in the concert, expressed his desire to study abroad to further his understanding of bel canto and its cultural origins. He believes that by honing his skills and knowledge, he can better represent the voice of China on the international stage. Another musician, Dan Mi, a young pianist living in Europe and a lecturer at the college, emphasized the importance of combining Western and Chinese traditional culture in music. He believes that songs rooted in Chinese culture can evoke a sense of nostalgia and emotion in young people and help preserve the country’s musical heritage.
The “Academic School” concert series aims to showcase the talent of Chinese performers and promote a deeper understanding of Chinese music and classical music. By bringing Chinese art songs to a wider audience, the series hopes to foster appreciation and recognition of Chinese performers on the international stage.
As the concert series continues, it is expected to inspire more young musicians to explore Chinese vocal works and contribute to the preservation and development of the country’s rich musical heritage.
How has the “Academic School” series influenced young singers to pursue further studies in Chinese vocal music?
Ch heavily influenced the development of Chinese vocal works. By showcasing these works in a concert setting, the “Academic School” series aims to not only educate the audience about the beauty and uniqueness of Chinese vocal music but also inspire young singers to pursue further studies in this field.
The first concert featured a selection of songs by renowned Chinese composers such as Li Haiquan, Liu Changyuan, and Shi Guangnan. These composers have made significant contributions to the development of Chinese vocal music, infusing traditional Chinese melodies and poetic themes with Western vocal techniques. The performances were accompanied by the Pudong Philharmonic Orchestra, adding depth and richness to the overall sound.
One of the highlights of the concert was a performance of Li Haiquan’s “The Song of the Fisherman,” a well-known Chinese art song that tells the story of a fisherman’s love and longing for the sea. The singer’s powerful yet refined vocal technique captured the emotional depth of the lyrics, leaving the audience awe-inspired.
Another standout performance was Liu Changyuan’s “Song of the Lamenting King,” a dramatic piece that showcases the singer’s versatility and range. The singer effortlessly transitioned between low, melancholic passages and soaring, passionate melodies, captivating the audience with every note.
The “Academic School” concert series plans to hold future performances showcasing different genres and styles of Chinese vocal music. By presenting a diverse range of works, the series hopes to not only provide a platform for talented young singers to showcase their skills but also expose audiences to the richness and complexity of Chinese vocal music.
With its debut concert receiving positive feedback and acclaim, the “Academic School” series is well on its way to becoming a staple in Shanghai’s cultural scene. By bringing together the Pudong Philharmonic Orchestra and the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, this collaboration has created a platform for collaboration and innovation in the field of vocal music. With each performance, the series aims to deepen the audience’s understanding and appreciation of Chinese vocal works while fostering the growth and development of young talent in this artistic field.
This article beautifully captures the essence of the Chinese Vocal Works Concert, highlighting the cultural exchange that takes place through the language of music. It is heartening to see academia fostering cross-cultural connections and appreciation for Chinese vocal works.
This article beautifully captures how music serves as a universal language, bridging cultural gaps through the enchanting Chinese vocal works showcased in the Academic School Series concert. It is heartwarming to witness such rich cultural exchange in the realm of music.