BBC Concert Orchestra × Ying Huang
2024 New Year Concert Tour — Wuhan · Zhuhai · Shenzhen
Overview
From December 30, 2023, to January 2, 2024, renowned Chinese soprano Ying Huang joined the BBC Concert Orchestra, one of the five major BBC orchestras, under the baton of Finnish conductor Anna-Maria Helsing, for a grand tour of 2024 New Year Concerts in Wuhan, Zhuhai, and Shenzhen.
This collaboration marked a vibrant celebration of opera and symphonic artistry, bringing together international excellence and Chinese cultural vitality at the turn of the new year. The program featured beloved arias and orchestral excerpts from The Marriage of Figaro, The Merry Widow, The Barber of Seville, Gianni Schicchi, and La Bohème.
Program
Tour Dates & Venues
Dec 30, 2023 – Wuhan Qintai Concert Hall
Dec 31, 2023 – Huafa & CPAA Grand Theatre, Zhuhai
Jan 1, 2024 – Shenzhen Concert Hall (Symphony Hall)
Conductor: Anna-Maria Helsing
Soprano: Ying Huang
Presented by
BBC Concert Orchestra
In collaboration with: Wuhan Qintai Concert Hall · Huafa & CPAA Grand Theatre · Shenzhen Concert Hall
Supported by: Bank of Communications
Program Highlights
With her radiant tone and consummate artistry, Ying Huang captivated audiences through a series of operatic masterpieces:
“Quando me’n vo” (La Bohème)
tenderly portraying Musetta’s charm and longing.
“Deh vieni, non tardar” (The Marriage of Figaro)
a graceful depiction of love’s quiet anticipation.
“Vilia’s Song” (The Merry Widow)
light yet deeply expressive, filled with nostalgia and joy.
Her performances were met with prolonged ovations at every stop. In Wuhan, as an encore, Huang invited the entire audience to join in singing “Auld Lang Syne”, offering warmth and unity as the new year dawned.
Gallery
Critical Reception
“Ying Huang is among the few Chinese sopranos long acclaimed on Western opera stages and the only Chinese artist to have starred in a Western opera film (Madama Butterfly). Her voice—lyrical, pure, and radiant—blended seamlessly with the orchestra, fully living up to expectations.”
Audience Review, Shenzhen