Brighter note with Sarah Brightman

Sarah Brightman will perform with Liu Huan with the accompaniment of the China Philharmonic at her Friday concert in Beijing. Photo provided to China Daily

Gospel twins in tune with Beijing

Jazz player melds musical styles of East and West

Making her theatrical debut at 13, Brightman is known for pioneering the classical crossover genre with a wide vocal range. Her name has become synonymous with some of the best musicals, including The Phantom of the Opera and Cats.

In October 2015, Brightman will travel to space, a first for a professional musician, and will record a song from space. Inspired by the scene of Neil Armstrong taking the first steps on the moon in 1969, which she watched on TV as an 8-year-old, the soprano has been determined to go to space. She says that since January, she has been undergoing training and extensive medical tests to prepare for the trip.

"I am not that surprised to know that she is going to space," says Liu. "When we performed the song over 20 meters above the ground, both of us were nervous. As the stage was going up slowly, she really enjoyed the moment. I believe that she will do even better in space."

"I have the privilege of being an artist and going around the world. What's important to me about this space trip is what I can bring back after that. I hope that I could have a different perspective about performing and about being an artist," Brightman says. One of her plans for afterward is to release an album after collecting songs in different languages, including Chinese.

IF YOU GO

Sarah Brightman concert

7:30 pm, Sept 12. National Indoor Stadium.

Beichen Lu (Road), inside Olympic Green, northwest corner of Datun Lu (Road) and Beichendong Lu (Road) intersection. 4006-228-228.