Bittersweet symphony

Between Ozawa's New Year's concerts and Lang Lang's recital, on January 2, New Zealand soprano Kiri Te Kanawa became the first foreign opera star to sing at NCPA. Te Kanawa treated the audience to 21 thrilling songs plus an encore.

"We have waited for more than 20 years to hear Te Kanawa live in China," music critic Chen Li says.

"Her voice is so natural and delicate. She never tries to be dramatic for the sake of performing, but is always so touching."

Te Kanawa says that even though she has performed many times, there was something special about her Beijing debut.

"I have been looking forward to coming to China for a long time. Now I'm so happy to sing at this amazing theater, which the rest of the world will see very soon. I carefully selected the program for the concerts and really enjoy singing for my fans here," she says.

(China Daily 01/04/2008 page18)