By: Gilbert Waldner
Chinese singer Ziying Wang is undoubtedly blessed with a remarkable voice and high technical skills that enable her to excel in both Bel canto and art songs. In October 2023, she hosted her first solo vocal concert in the United Kingdom, with pieces spanning from the 17th to the 20th century. This concert was a collaborative effort between her and the talented British pianist Joshua McDade, creating a moving intersection of classical and contemporary artistry.
A highlight of the concert was Ziying’s profound interpretation of Western works. Her nuanced performance captured the emotional essence of each piece, ranging from sorrow to joy, nostalgia to exuberance, with every melody imbued with deep feelings. Moreover, the concert reflected her heartfelt connection to Durham, a place of tranquillity and solemnity. This concert was not only a masterful rendition of classical repertoire but also a comprehensive showcase of Ziying’s musical talent and artistic depth, leaving audiences with an unforgettable cultural experience.

But what is most convincing are her adaptations of authentic Chinese music in Western sound traditions, such as her performance in October 2024 at the KCL Chapel in London. This place of cultural fusion greatly inspires her, says Ziying Wang. She believes that this blending of cultures allows for deeper artistic exploration and new forms of expression. As a result, she designed a concert focused on the exchange of Eastern and Western vocal works. Once again, she collaborated with Joshua, sharing with him the subtle, culturally rich emotional expressions in Chinese works, particularly those conveying flower metaphors. Together they adapted the piano accompaniment, infusing it with strong Chinese elements, including the integration of Chinese poetry into the performance. The first half of the concert featured Western works, while the second half showcased Chinese pieces, with the addition of musical theatre, bringing a touch of vitality to the solemn classical program.
Most of the Chinese pieces were performed using the bel canto technique, with the aim of helping the audience gain a deeper understanding and resonance of the commonalities and differences in cultural and emotional expression between East and West. In this way, she sought to create a space for dialogue between the two cultures. This cross-cultural musical experience was intended to provide a sense of belonging for Chinese students and expatriates in the UK while also showcasing the unique charm of Chinese vocal music to international audiences.

(The three in the middle, from left to right: musical performer Ge Wang, vocalist Ziying Wang, and pianist Hao Yao)
Under the influence of diverse cities and cultural atmospheres across the United Kingdom, the Chinese vocalist explores unique ways to merge classical music with deeply personal and cultural expressions. Her artistic fusion not only bridges Eastern and Western traditions but also allows her to convey emotions that are both universally relatable and distinctly rooted in her cultural identity. Each of her performances is a testament to her dedication to both her heritage and her craft. Through her performances, she transforms classical music into a medium for storytelling, where each note and phrase becomes a reflection of her journey and an invitation for the audience to connect on a deeper level.
Authored by Gilbert Waldner

Gilbert Waldner began working as a cultural journalist in the areas of theater, literature, and music in Carinthia, Austria in the mid-1980s. Even when his career path took him into business, he remained loyal to music. He has been writing concert reviews, reviews of new albums, portraits of musicians and more for decades. In 2007, monthly two-hour radio programs in the “Take the Jazztrain” format were added for Radio AGORA, which he now produces himself.
Published by Tom W.