Source: CCTV.com

08-01-2006 13:15

Tian Haojiang is considered one of today's most talented basso cantantes in the world. Since 1991, he has sung for the Metropolitan Opera in over 26 roles and has performed alongside stars such was Pavarotti, Domingo and Kanawa.

Tian Haojiang was born in a musical family in Beijing, but his singing talent was not discovered until he had been working in a boiler factory for several years. After discovering his true passion and talent, he received professional training, graduated from the Central Conservatory of Music in China, and joined the Central Philharmonic Society of China. Then, he completed his musical studies at the University of Denver in the United States. He is a winner of numerous international voice competitions, including that of the Rosa Ponselle Foundation, the Bel Canto Voice Competition, the Sullivan Foundation Voice Competition of New York and the San Francisco Opera Competition.

Since his Metropolitan Opera debut during the 1991/92 season, Tian Haojiang has appeared at the Metropolitan every subsequent season. He has also been highly praised for his appearances in many international theaters such as the Teatro Comunale in Florence, Teatro Carlo Felice in Genoa , Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, Chicago Lyric Opera, Canadian Opera Company, Washington Opera, Opera de Nice and in Tokyo. He has won acclaim for some of the greatest roles written for a bass, including Philip in Don Carlos , Procida in I Vespri Siciliani and Mephistopheles in Faust.

After years on the international stage, Tian Haojiang is developing Chinese themed opera. In 2006, "First Emperor", an opera composed by composer Tan Dun and directed by Chinese director Zhang Yimou, will be staged in America with Placido Domingo and Tian Haojiang starring in two major roles. Tian is also helping develop opera education in China. In August 2005, he directed the Carlo Bergonzi Master class in Beijing to create an opportunity for Chinese opera students to communicate with an international master.

Join us on "Up-Close" to hear the colorful stories behind the musical life of Tian Haojiang!

-- Written by He Jieping

 

Editor:Chen