Xu Zhong Appointed by Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama
Chinese opera producer, Xu Zhong, is a firm man who wears many creative hats. Representing a significant cultural part of Asia, he joins the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in the world of music and opera music.
Chinese opera producer, Xu Zhong, is a firm man who wears many creative hats. Representing a significant cultural part of Asia, he joins the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama bringing with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in the world of music and opera music.
Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RWCMD) has recently appointed Xu Zhong, a Maestro, conductor, opera producer and educator as its first International Chair of Opera — representing Asia.
Xu Zhong, already a world-renowned pianist and conductor, holds an exceptional resume as Dean of Soochow University School of Music, Chief Conductor of the Suzhou Symphony Orchestra, President of Shanghai Opera House and Principal Director of Fondazione Arena di Verona. Prior to that, he was also Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of Israel Haifa Symphony Orchestra and Chief Conductor of Teatro Massimo Bellini.
Bringing with him this extensive length of knowledge and experience, RWCMD looks forward to gaining more value, especially on developing perspective of the connection between drama and music in opera. The new appointment will also bring together the musical worlds of China and Wales.
Helena Gaunt, RWCMD Principal said: “As an outstanding musician and impresario his expertise is the perfect fit for our spirit of excellence. He brings extraordinary industry knowledge and creativity and will help us to further diversity in the field of opera.”
“He will also act as a mentor for the new generation of performers, designers and technicians who train here.”
Xu Zhong said, “I am very honoured and thrilled to have the opportunity to work closely with RWCMD, […] The College has an exceptional vision for creative excellence through international collaboration and is uniquely positioned to offer a world-class training environment which covers the full spectrum of creative disciplines in music and drama, and in particular opera, including directing, designing and producing.”
“I will help RWCMD nurture singers and performers in opera and drama in collaboration with the David Seligman Opera School’s Artistic Director John Fisher and Cardiff Singer of the World’s David Jackson as well as production talent for the future.”
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