On August 29th, in the early autumn season in New York, Jun Ting Liu from Taiwan stepped onto the stage of New Tang Dynasty’s 10th World Chinese Vocal Singing Competition. With a bit of nervousness, excitement, and plenty of enthusiasm, he embarked on this new experience in the bustling city.
This marked Jun Ting’s first visit to New York, where he was amazed by the bustling crowds and familiar movie scenes that made him feel thrilled. His journey into the world of singing was sparked by a serendipitous encounter in his childhood when he watched a performance by Luciano Pavarotti. That moment served as a trigger that led him into the realm of singing, with Pavarotti being his inspiration among many other talented singers.
Currently residing in Austria and studying vocal music at a local music academy, Jun Ting traveled across the ocean to participate in the 2025 New Tang Dynasty Voice Competition. While he exuded poise and elegance on stage, off stage he displayed a touch of humor and warmth, connecting with the audience.
For the competition, Jun Ting chose two distinct pieces – the classic aria “Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schön” from Mozart’s opera “The Magic Flute” and the Chinese art song “The Orchid Melody.” He shared his love for these pieces and his unique interpretations.
Regarding “The Magic Flute,” Jun Ting expressed his admiration for the opera and the emotional depth of the aria sung by Tamino upon seeing Pamina’s portrait for the first time. Emphasizing the rich character interactions within the piece, he explained its significance to him.
On the other hand, “The Orchid Melody” allowed Jun Ting to showcase a different vocal style and cultural depth. Adapted from a poem by Eastern Han Dynasty poet Cai Yong, this art song symbolizes lofty aspirations with its distant melody and noble temperament, presenting a challenging and profound piece in Chinese vocal repertoire.
Describing his interpretation as showcasing a sense of elegance and high sentimentality, Jun Ting found joy in expressing the essence of the song. The opportunity to present both Western classical opera and Eastern poetic melodies in one competition not only posed a technical challenge for Jun Ting but also tested his profound understanding of both cultures.
As the last performer in the preliminary round, Jun Ting acknowledged the pressure of following exceptional performances by other contestants. However, as he prepared to take the stage, he shifted his mindset to approach it as a learning experience.
For Jun Ting, singing is not merely a display of technical skill but a source of happiness. He feels a sense of freedom and liberation when singing, finding it to be a driving force for personal growth and advancement.
Despite the nerves before going onstage, Jun Ting was able to immerse himself in the performance and truly enjoy the process. He believed that the key to his success was cherishing and savoring each moment on stage, making it his own.
Jun Ting successfully advanced to the next round of the competition, showcasing his talent, passion, and dedication to the art of singing on a global stage.