NTD’s 9th International Chinese Vocal Competition kicked off with its preliminary round on Thursday in New York City’s Kaufman Music Center. Contestants from eight countries gave performances in the traditional bel canto style, with 14 contestants qualifying for the semifinals.
The art of bel canto—melodies that use the human body as an instrument—is believed to produce the purest tone of voice. That purity, however, comes with considerable volume and can be a significant challenge—one that caused contestant Mika Hale to give up the technique during her teenage years.
Ancient Chinese theater and early European opera once shared the same singing technique, which is believed to produce the most beautiful vocal tones….