You have performed Western opera internationally. Are you now focusing on Chinese music?

Actually, I have been performing both Chinese and Western works in recent years. Last year, I performed Verdi’s La traviata at the Shanghai Opera House – a joint production by the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and Kiel Opera House in Germany. This year, I performed Verdi’s Un ballo in maschera in Oman, produced by the National Centre for the Performing Arts of China, and I’ve sung numerous Italian art songs. However, I have indeed devoted a lot of effort and energy to Chinese operas and art songs in recent years.

A studio portrait of Liao Changyong.

Liao Changyong. Photo supplied

Why is this?

I made this decision because, from its founding, the Shanghai Conservatory of Music established a mission to introduce Western music, while also preserving and promoting Chinese music. This goal has been pursued for 97 years, and generations of predecessors have worked toward it. I was inspired by mentors like [soprano] Zhou Xiaoyan, who motivated me to carry on this grand vision. Through music, I aim to build bridges that...