介绍:
Prominent Chinese singer and vocal educator Zhou Xiaoyan passed away early this morning.
She was 99-years-old.
Born in 1917, Zhou was called the 'Nightingale from China.'
She rose to fame for singing 'The Great Wall Ballad,' a song about the desire of war refugees to return home during the Japanese occupation in the 1930s.
In 1945, she stood on the stage of the Paris National Opera, and conquered French audiences with her outstanding skills and beautiful voice.
Later, she received invitations to perform at many established theaters across Europe, including theaters in Italy, Germany, England and Switzerland.
The foundation of New China brought complete new life to Zhou's career, as she became a vocal teacher at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.
For over 50 years, Professor Zhou has cultivated many singers who have gone on to highly successful international opera careers.
Liao Changyong, renowned Chinese baritone, has paid his respects to his teacher.
"We students always treat her as our mother; in fact, she gave us more love than her own kids. She often told us if you want to be a great artist, you should first be a good person, and a patriotic person. Lesser people can never develop into professional and successful artists."
Zhou Xiaoyan received the National Order of Merit from the French government, and was honored with a life-time achievement award in Chinese music at the 14th Huading Awards.
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