Austrian opera offers tune of progress for Chinese soprano

Marking the 150th anniversary of the premiere of Die Fledermaus, the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing staged a new production of Austrian composer Johann Strauss II's operetta from Nov 27 to Dec 1.

Soprano Song Yuanming performed the role of Rosalinde.

Having debuted in Die Fledermaus 13 years ago, Song has performed on opera stages domestically and internationally. Her role in the production has facilitated her progress in the art of opera.

Song received vocal training at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, where she pursued a combined bachelor's and master's program.

Shortly after graduating in 2011, Song won first place at the 48th Concours International de Chant de La Ville de Toulouse in France. Then, with the help of conductor Li Xincao, she received a call from the NCPA inviting her to submit a performance video for casting consideration. That same June, she was offered the role of Adele in Die Fledermaus, for which Li was the conductor.

The 2011 production of Die Fledermaus was the first time the operetta was presented in German with Chinese dialogue.

Song will release her second solo album in 2025 under the global distribution of Naxos China featuring Austrian art songs from the 19th and 20th centuries.