Wang hits career high note with Vienna concert

Budding Chinese soprano Wang Ying is to hold a recital as part of celebrations marking the 210th anniversary of Franz Schubert, at the Golden Hall of Musikverein, in Vienna next Wednesday. The Vienna Volksoper Orchestra will accompany her, under the baton of Michael Tomaschek, chief conductor of the Vienna Johann Strauss Capelle.

The bel canto soprano will sing more than 18 songs, including Brindisi and One Fine Day, which is familiar to audiences in Vienna.

Wang will also present a series of Chinese folk songs, such as I Love You China. Baritone Christoph Velisek will duet with Wang on Weald (Yuanye), a Chinese opera adapted from the drama of playwright Cao Yu.

"I feel greatly honored to sing in the Golden Hall," the People's Liberation Army Art Academy teacher said. "But, I am not stressed. I will try my best to present what I have learned and have taught to my students, at the Golden Hall."

Tomaschek, who has been in China four times with the Johann Strauss Capelle, described Wang's voice as "extremely beautiful" and "full of oriental charm".

Unlike most bel canto sopranos, Wang is slim. To get in peak physical condition, she has been exercising for a year. Additionally, she has prepared for the concert by studying German. She plans to tell the audience, in German: "In 2008, my motherland will host the Olympic Games. China is a very beautiful place. Welcome to my country."

Wang will have four costume changes at the recital. The first dress will have a white, peacock look, which Wang said symbolizes smartness and beauty. She will dress like Princess Sissi, a famous Austrian princess, for the second part of the recital. Her third costume will feature rich Chinese elements, such as embroidery and a phoenix. The final costume will be a blaze of red, which is a festive and propitious color in Chinese culture.

Born in Beijing, Wang was a top student in her four years as a student at the PLA Art Academy. She has taught there for 10 years and has won numerous national awards. She is the third Chinese singer to hold a recital at the Golden Hall of Musikverein, following folk singer Song Zuying in 2003, and pop singer Tan Jing last year.

(China Daily 11/21/2007 page18)