Setting sights on tomorrow

In an ambitious effort to nurture talent and contribute to the development of China's opera scene, the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing launched a young opera training program, the NCPA-Guan Zhijing Young Artist Program, on Feb 24. The program seeks to identify exceptional young talent — typically singers around the age of 35 — who have the potential to make a significant impact in the opera world.

Running until March 11, the program is designed to discover and train talented young opera singers, by offering them rigorous, handson education and an opportunity to perform at a world-class venue.

As the name behind the program, bass singer Guan Zhijing, resident artist at the NCPA, says that 177 applicants ranging in age and experience applied for the program from all over the country. After three rounds of auditions, 17 stood out and are now receiving training from experts including tenor Shi Yijie, stage director Chen Xinyi, and soprano He Hui.

The two-week course covers all aspects of opera. It includes intensive vocal training, opera practice, music coaching and drama rehearsals, all designed to elevate the skills of the young singers.

It will culminate in a concert at Beijing Performing Arts Centre on March 11, where the participants will give a demonstration of their progress by performing a selection of excerpts from both Chinese and international operas.

"Over my two-decade career, I have performed in over 500 operas both at home and abroad," says Guan. "Based on my experience, I know how crucial it is for emerging artists to gain knowledge of vocal technique, stage presence, and musical interpretation. More importantly, they need to learn about more than just the music to prepare them for success on the international stage."

A 2006 graduate of Beijing's Central Conservatory of Music, Guan worked with the China National Opera House before joining the NCPA in 2013. He has performed in several NCPA productions, including Rossini's The Barber of Seville, Verdi's Rigoletto, and Shakespeare's Macbeth.

Guan emphasizes that the heart of the training program is its commitment to providing an immersive educational experience that blends the traditional aspects of opera with modern interpretive techniques.

"The program's goal is not only to improve vocal techniques but also to deepen their understanding of opera as an art form. It helps their transition from talented vocalists to fully rounded performers," says Lyu Jia, the NCPA's artistic director of music. Lyu is also music director and principal conductor of the China NCPA Orchestra, who performed with the orchestra in 2008 during the NCPA's first opera, Puccini's Turandot. "Opera singers have long-lasting careers. As they grow older, they develop increased vocal range, and often, emotional maturity. There are many great singers who are still at their peak in their 60s and 70s," he adds.

Speaking of his experiences as a young conductor, Lyu says that before returning to China and joining the NCPA in 2012, he was the musical director of the Verona Opera. He was the first Asian conductor to serve as the artistic director of a major opera house in Italy, which is the birthplace of European opera. He also held positions as chief conductor at the Trieste Opera, and was in charge of productions at La Scala, the Deutsche Oper Berlin, and the Bavarian State Opera.

"I learned from many great musicians when I was a young conductor. I watched their rehearsals, asked questions, and spent time with them. They not only taught me about music, but also helped me expand my repertoire and shared their onstage experience. This allowed me to build my own style of stage presence and musical interpretation," he says. "They also inspired me to build my confidence as a conductor."

The establishment of this program is also a reflection of the growing ambition of China's opera scene. Over the years, the NCPA has built a reputation for hosting world-class productions and training some of the best operatic talents.

Since its foundation in 2007, the NCPA has produced 103 operas, many of which have garnered international acclaim. This new training program is a natural extension of these efforts, ensuring that the next generation of Chinese opera stars is ready to shine on the world's stages.