Head of Vocal Studies / Associate Professor, The Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao

Professor of Voice and Opera Department

Director of the Vocal Studies

Doctoral Supervisor

Central Conservatory of Music, Beijing, China

Professor Haitao Hei is a distinguished Chinese tenor, vocal pedagogue, and Doctoral Supervisor at the Central Conservatory of Music. He currently serves as Professor of Voice and Opera Department and Director of the Vocal Studies.

After completing his undergraduate studies at the Central Conservatory of Music, Prof. Hei pursued advanced studies at Universität für Musik und darstellende Kunst Wien, Austria and Conservatorio Statale di Musica “Agostino Steffani” di Castelfranco Veneto, Italy. During his studies, he received guidance from Prof. Shen Xiang, Prof. Su Qingzhong, Prof. Li Jinwei, Prof. Battaglia, and Prof. Raimondi.  

In 1990, he was selected by the renowned tenor Luciano Pavarotti to participate in Verdi Festival, where he distinguished himself through performances of Verdi’s operatic repertoire. Between 1991 and 1992, he won First Prize at both the F.P. Neglia International Vocal Competition and the Mario del Monaco International Vocal Competition in Italy, bringing honor to his country.  

As a professional operatic tenor, Prof. Hei has performed leading roles in numerous productions throughout Italy and other European countries. His operatic repertoire includes Alzira, La Bohème, Cavalleria Rusticana, Turandot, Aida, and La Traviata. He has also appeared as a soloist in major concert works including Rossini’s Stabat Mater, Verdi’s Requiem, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9. His brilliant vocal timbre and refined vocal technique have earned widespread acclaim, and he was engaged as a resident singer by Italian National Television.  

In July 1999, Prof. Hei returned to China at the invitation of the Central Conservatory of Music and has since devoted himself to vocal education and the training of young singers. To date, he has successfully presented 78 editions of the “Haitao Hei’s Student Recital Series.” Under his mentorship, numerous students have received awards in international vocal competitions and have gone on to become accomplished singers on national and international stages.