The Art of Voice and Language

Singing Language, Style & Cross-Cultural Expression

Date: September 19, 2026
Time: 14:00
Venue: Yi Space · Art Study Room (益空间·艺书房), Zhangjiagang, China
Event: Music Reflections – No. 28
Speaker: Prof. Dr. Hong Yu Chen, Baritone

Language is the foundation of singing and an essential bridge connecting voice, music, and artistic expression. In this lecture and masterclass, Prof. Dr. Hong Yu Chen draws on nearly two decades of professional experience in Europe to explore the relationship between language, vocal technique, musical style, and expression.

Focusing on German, Italian, and Chinese vocal traditions, the session combines explanation, musical analysis, live demonstration, and interaction. Through selected art songs and operatic repertoire, participants will explore characteristic pronunciation, stylistic interpretation, and the ways in which language shapes vocal production and musical expression across cultures.

About the Speaker:
Prof. Dr. Hong Yu Chen is a Chinese baritone with extensive international performing and teaching experience. He holds a doctorate in Performance from the University of Arts in Belgrade and a Konzertexamen from the University of Music Saar. He has also studied at the Liszt Academy of Music in Budapest and the Mannheim Opera School. He currently serves as Director and Artistic Director of the International Vocal Arts Center at Xiamen Institute of Technology.

Organizers:
Zhangjiagang New Era Civilization Practice Guidance Center
Zhangjiagang Federation of Literary and Art Circles

Co-organizers:
Zhangjiagang Musicians Association · Zhangjiagang Poly Grand Theatre · Jiyang Public Civilization Research Service Center