On the afternoon of September 21, 2024, the 9th “World Chinese Vocal Art Contest” organized by NTD Television concluded successfully at the Kaufman Music Center in Manhattan, New York City.
Huang Junwen from Malaysia won the bronze prize in the finals with his performances of the songs “My Heart Belongs to You” and “Hometown”. He expressed his gratitude for being recognized for his serious approach to singing and described the experience as precious. He thanked NTD for providing singers with such a platform which allowed him to meet many friends.
This was Huang Junwen’s first time participating in the NTD vocal competition, and he expressed strong support for NTD’s efforts to restore traditional bel canto and promote Chinese traditional culture. He praised the combination of beautiful Chinese literature with authentic vocal techniques as a wonderful way to express emotions powerfully.
Having graduates in vocal music, Huang Junwen has been studying classical singing since childhood. He found the competition challenging yet rewarding, as he witnessed many talented singers from around the world showcasing their skills.
Huang Junwen valued the opportunity to compete in the NTD vocal competition, seeing it as a chance to perform on an international stage and connect with other passionate musicians. He noted the high level of competition among the singers and emphasized the importance of focusing and delivering the best performance possible.
Regarding his selection of the song “Ancient Song” for the preliminary round, Huang Junwen explained that he resonated with its emotional depth and found it suitable for his lyrical tenor style. He highlighted the importance of singing from the heart and conveying the song’s content through genuine emotion.
Huang Junwen preferred traditional expressions in music over modern trends, citing the emotional richness and depth found in classical and bel canto music. He believed that classical music allows for a more profound exploration of emotions through a variety of chord progressions and expressive nuances.
In his role as a music educator, Huang Junwen stressed the importance of introducing classical music to young people from an early age. He shared his passion for teaching music and choir to teenagers in Malaysia, stating that by creating a conducive environment, classical music can become more popular among the younger generation.
With his dedication to promoting classical music and nurturing young talents, Huang Junwen aims to inspire future generations to appreciate the beauty and complexities of traditional music forms.