Love of song bonds chorus and community
Members reflect on their journey to performance greatness as they use their expertise to train and welcome new singers, Chen Nan reports.
The chorus performs at least 100 times a year at the theater and also tours at home and abroad. This intense schedule provides invaluable experience, allowing the members to excel in interpreting operas from various countries, styles and languages.
"The stage experience has become an invaluable asset for our performers. The chorus not only excels in opera performances but also brings unique experiences to audiences. Their artistic creativity is exceptionally strong," says Jiao.
The chorus has transformed from a group of young, inexperienced singers into an ensemble with 95 members, 28 of whom have more than 10 years of practice. New members face significant pressure and challenges, often having to match the skills of those who with decades of experience.
"Our veteran members have performed in 73 operas. Their expertise is second nature to them. For new members, especially in their first two to three years, the pressure is immense. We require high learning abilities," says Jiao.
The chorus performs more than 10 operas each year, covering both Chinese and international works. The learning process is intense and every performance demands a high skill level.
"Every rehearsal is an evaluation in itself since competition is fierce for the limited positions," Jiao says. "We assign the most difficult sections to everyone, which motivates them to perform their best."
Looking ahead, the chorus plans to continue pushing the boundaries of performance, with plans for an immersive concert experience next year that will integrate dramatic storytelling and theatrical elements, showcasing the members' acting abilities in a new format, according to Jiao.
