Opera house celebrates milestone year with concert

Under the lights of Shanghai Symphony Hall, a New Year concert this Saturday marks the opening of the Shanghai Opera House's 70th-anniversary celebrations, uniting artists across generations.

The gala concert brings together the singers, chorus and orchestra of the opera house, and stars three artists — tenor Shi Yijie, the current president of the company, along with former presidents, tenor Wei Song and conductor Zhang Guoyong.

The Shanghai Opera House can present vocal performances in solos, duets and choruses, as well as orchestral pieces, "which few opera companies can achieve", Zhang says.

The concert program, consisting of celebrated opera arias and songs from home and abroad, "truthfully reflects the artistic achievements of the company while revealing our expectations for the future", he adds.

Founded in 1956 through the regrouping of several Chinese performing arts troupes, the Shanghai Opera House has built a repertoire that bridges national traditions and Western classics.

This concert marks the opening of the company's 70th-anniversary celebrations, as well as an artistic relay, says Shi.

Standing onstage alongside his two predecessors, Shi says: "We hope to embark on a new journey for the company, and with our most sincere artistic expressions, let the audience feel the enduring charm of opera art."

An internationally acclaimed tenor, Shi, 43, assumed the presidency in December. Zhang headed the company from 2001 to 2011, and Wei from 2011 to 2014.

"All three of us have remained active on the stage, though this is the first time we have come together for a concert," Wei says.

"I am happy to see the younger generations rise and carry forward the traditions of the company."

Wei's connection with Shi is also personal. One of China's most renowned tenors over the past decades, Wei began tutoring Shi when the latter was just 16.

"It still feels like a dream, returning to my hometown after traveling domestically and abroad for 24 years, and taking on this important job as the president of the Shanghai Opera House," Shi says.

One of Shi's first initiatives in his new position is the launch of a training program for young opera talent.

Later this year, the company will begin international recruitment for Chinese opera talent aged between 22 and 32. Up to eight selected artists will be offered a two-year training program.

The anniversary year will also present a series of classical opera productions. Turandot, performed at Shangyin Opera House from April 24-26, will be conducted by Daniele Callegari and directed by Marco Gandini.

Rigoletto will be performed from June 12-14, conducted by Xu Zhong and directed by Oliver Mears.

In November, Shi will play the leading role in a new production of L'elisir d'amore, a comic opera composed by Gaetano Donizetti.

"We've performed almost all the great opera classics. We hope to produce more comic operas," Shi says, adding that he believes the humor and joy can draw the audience closer to the art of opera.

zhangkun@chinadaily.com.cn