On the afternoon of September 19, 2024, the ninth “World Chinese Vocal Competition” hosted by NTD Television commenced its intense preliminary round at the Merkin Hall of Kaufman Music Center in Manhattan, New York. A total of 29 participants from eight countries and regions across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, including the United States, Canada, Germany, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, China, and Vietnam, took part in the competition.
The competition, organized by NTD Television, aims to promote the pure, virtuous, and beautiful traditional vocal art of the Chinese community and help talented Chinese vocalists step onto the global stage. Some contestants expressed the meaningful impact of the event, stating that the preparation process had greatly enhanced their skills. They noted the warm and friendly atmosphere of the competition, feeling comfortable and assured of fair treatment. Competing against talents from around the world provided a fantastic challenge for all participants.
Huang Junwen from Malaysia, with 18 years of vocal training, cherished the opportunity to perform on the world stage. Witnessing the exceptional talent of participants from various countries energized him, describing it as “a fantastic challenge.”
Huang Junwen’s rendition of the song “Ancient Song” during the preliminary round was deeply moving. He emphasized that the key to touching listeners with a song is to understand its content from the heart and let the voice resonate from within.
Regarding his performance approach, he emphasized the significance of the ancient song’s profound legacy and unique emotional expression. This allowed him the freedom to present the song in different ways, showcasing his versatility.
Coming from Vietnam, Lai Fangcao, a professional classical pianist turned vocalist, acknowledged her transition to vocal music inadvertently as she primarily accompanied singers. After years of pursuing pop and jazz genres, she realized the importance of mastering traditional vocal techniques to establish a solid foundation in vocal performance.
Lai Fangcao highlighted the distinction between pop and classical music, pointing out the structured nature of the latter that requires a strong emphasis on foundational skills. Transitioning to classical singing in the past three years allowed her to experience a sense of purity and authenticity in her performances, enhancing her enjoyment of the art form.
Despite being a newcomer in the realm of classical vocal technique, Lai Fangcao felt a significant shift towards positivity and optimism in preparing for the NTD Vocal Competition. She attributed this transformation to a newfound sense of purity and positive energy within herself.
Wearing traditional Chinese attire reminiscent of the Republic of China era, Hu Yongmei charmed the audience with her rendition of the song “I Live at the Head of Yangtze River” during the preliminary round. With over two decades of experience in vocal education in China, Hu Yongmei immersed herself in the emotional depth of the song, expressing a profound sense of longing.
Hu Yongmei praised the beauty of traditional Chinese poetry, noting its capability to capture human emotions effectively. However, she expressed regret over the modern deviations from traditional art forms.
As an experienced vocal teacher, Hu Yongmei faced challenges in teaching Chinese songs with classical vocal techniques. She stressed the importance of using beautiful voices to convey the essence of a song effectively, emphasizing the need for proper vocal techniques. Transitioning from conventional vocal methods to the techniques used by Shen Yun singers, Hu Yongmei felt a remarkable difference in vocal resonance and projection, creating a broader and more captivating vocal presence.