On May 23rd, a Forum themed "Echoes of Tomorrow: Shaping the Future of Vocal Artistry" on vocal education development was successfully held at our School. This marked the first international vocal-themed symposium organized by YMSQ, gathering musicians, educators, and scholars from prestigious institutions worldwide, including Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Union Nikola Tesla University in Belgrade, Shanghai Conservatory of Music Opera Department, Tianjin Conservatory of Music, multiple universities in Qingdao, and YMSQ. In an atmosphere of openness, diversity, and mutual learning, participants jointly explored the directions for vocal education.
一、The Future of Vocal Arts: The Endless Allure of Multiculturalism
This symposium placed special emphasis on how diversity and cross-cultural exchange could breathe new life into vocal artistry and education.
Dr. Zhang Wanzhe, a soprano and doctor in vocal and chamber music from the Union Nikola Tesla University in Belgrade, delivered a lecture titled "The Boundaries and Resonance of Voice: Cultivating Future Vocal Artists in a Multicultural World". She introduced the concept of "a sense of belonging in vocal expression," urging educators to move beyond technical imitation and guide students to develop personalized interpretations through exposure to global sonic traditions. Drawing from her cross-cultural experiences, she asserted, "Authentic voices stem from sincerity, not perfection," advocating for curricula integrating world vocal history and linguistic aesthetics to nurture culturally aware, socially responsible vocal artists.
The art of distant lands is forever imbued with allure, serving as an inexhaustible wellspring for vocal composition. Isai Jess Muñoz, Dean of Boston Conservatory of Music at Berklee, highlighted the historical and contemporary significance of Catalan song art. He discussed its historical neglect due to socio-linguistic marginalization, analyzing masterpieces like Toldrà's "La Rosa Als Llavis" and Mompou's "Combat del Somni." Muñoz called for global attention to music traditions that balance national identity with universal appeal, showcasing his album "Viva l'Amor!" (recorded with pianist Oxana Grushko) to reveal the aesthetic nuances of Catalan phonetics.
"Music is fluid". Thomas Rosenkranz, YMSQ's Director of Music and Piano Professor, explored " The Body as the Instrument: Unlocking Vocal Mastery Through Physical Awareness" in his presentation. Drawing parallels between Western classical, Indian classical, and Pakistani Qawwali traditions, he examined the symbiotic relationship between body and sound, encouraging instrumentalists to adopt vocalists' breathing techniques for enhanced expressive coherence. He emphasized the artistic importance of "the space between notes and breaths."
Prof. Wang Kaiwei, Tenor, Doctoral Supervisor, and Professor of Opera Department at Shanghai Conservatory of Music, argued in "Adhering to the Core Principles of Bel Canto Is Pivotal for the Future Evolution of Vocal Arts" that bel canto shares aesthetic ties with Renaissance painting's chiaroscuro technique, prioritizing emotional expression over technical perfection. He commended YMSQ's community-engaged education philosophy, advocating for "holistic education" blending music fundamentals with social practice—such as charity performances with marginalized groups—to cultivate music's therapeutic social value.
Ms. Su Wenjie, Head of YMSQ, welcomed attendees in her speech, expressing hope that the symposium would pioneer new pathways for vocal education globally. She emphasized "embracing diversity with openness, pursuing academic rigor, and nurturing students' aspirations with passion."
During the exchange session, attending guests shared insightful perspectives on adolescent vocal music education from diverse angles, integrating their respective practical explorations. The entire symposium buzzed with enthusiasm, featuring keynote speeches, case studies, and dynamic exchanges and collisions of ideas, collectively presenting a high-caliber, internationally-oriented intellectual feast in the vocal music profession.
二、Songs and Sounds: A Journey to the Soul
As a symposium highlight, the "Letters to the Beloved: Songs of Love and Farewell" concert marked the inaugural vocal concert at Menuhin Hall.
Soprano Zhang Wanzhe, a graduate of Central Conservatory of Music and University of Arts in Belgrade and recipient of The Supreme Artistic Title Honour of People’s Artist of Yugoslavia, mesmerized audiences with her fusion of Eastern and Western sensibilities. Collaborating with staff pianist Xiao Qianyuan, she delivered a reimagined Chinese folk song Loving My Dear Mother, a vibrant Kazakh folk tune Mayila, and Puccini arias, immersing listeners in emotionally charged vocal artistry.
Isai Jess Muñoz stunned the crowd with his luminous tenor, performing Manuel de Falla's Siete Canciones Populares Españolas with pianist Oxana Grushko, capturing the passion and poetry of Spanish folk music. His French renditions of Debussy's Green and Il Pleure Dans Mon Coeur explored impressionist nuances, while his Catalan performance of Eduard Toldrà's "La Rosa Als Llavis" transcended language barriers, leaving audiences profoundly moved.
YMSQ students also shone brilliantly. The ensemble of Jing Haoran (first violin), Wang Weikuan (viola), Kuang Yihao (cello), Wang Zikang (piano), and Wang Boyang (second violin) delivered Anton Arensky's Piano Quintet in D Major, Op. 51: III. Scherzo with technical precision and youthful vigor. One of this year’s graduating pianist Chen Haoyang captivated the audience with a solo performance of Brahms' work, showcasing the School's pedagogical excellence. The audience included experts and artists from various music academies, many of whom were amazed by YMSQ students' performances.
The Forum and concert underscored The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao's commitment to integrating global educational resources and innovating vocal pedagogy. By fostering cross-cultural dialogue, the event established a vital platform for international vocal education exchange, heralding the launch of Menuhin's highly anticipated vocal program—a future to anticipate with great excitement.
