On August 29, 2025, the 10th World Chinese Vocal Competition opened at Merkin Hall of Kaufman Music Center in New York City. Twenty-three contestants from five countries and regions in Asia and North America participated in the preliminary round that day.
One of the contestants, Shang Ge from Los Angeles, is an actress and singer. She expressed her excitement at being able to participate in the competition hosted by NTD, saying that as a Chinese American, she felt proud to sing Chinese songs and embrace her culture on such a platform. She mentioned how she has had a passion for singing and performing since she was young, starting at the age of four when she sang along with her grandmother, who used to teach music at a university.
Shang Ge studied vocal music and performance in college, and even studied abroad in France. She cited renowned American actress and singer Renée Lynn Fleming as one of her favorite singers. She emphasized the importance of singing in conveying stories, emotions, and ideas, believing that singing is a form of performance.
Interestingly, Shang Ge described her participation in the competition as a twist of fate, saying she stumbled upon the vocal competition online and felt it was a wonderful opportunity to showcase her singing abilities. Despite moments of self-doubt, she reminded herself of her love for singing and the importance of pursuing what brings her joy.
Grateful for the talented singers she encountered at the competition, Shang Ge considered herself fortunate to be among them. She found inspiration in the competition’s mission to promote traditional bel canto singing and perform Chinese songs, viewing it as an encouraging platform to connect with like-minded individuals.
Although originally from China, this was Shang Ge’s first time competing by singing Chinese songs. She highlighted the opportunity the competition provided her to explore music she had never sung before, noting that Chinese songs are often not included in college vocal training. This experience allowed her to embrace her cultural heritage through music.
Shang Ge expressed her intention to recommend the competition to her friends, emphasizing the friendly and welcoming atmosphere she encountered. She believed that the competition served as both a platform and motivation for singers to showcase their talent in singing both Chinese and Western opera songs, urging aspiring Chinese singers to seize the opportunity to pursue their passion on stage.