Five opera greats join voices

Five of the world's most famous opera performers will share the stage in two special concerts to celebrate the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games.

Russian mezzo-soprano Olga Borodina, US soprano Barbara Bonney, US tenor Charles Castronovo, Chinese tenor Dai Yuqiang and Chinese baritone Liao Changyong will join voices in a show entitled Gather Together Under the Five Rings.

Liao Changyong

The music was inspired by the emblem of the Olympic Games - five interlocking rings of red, blue, yellow, black and green.

On August 5, the eminent quintet will perform at the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA). The previous evening, they will give a smaller performance for representatives of the 120th International Olympic Committee Meeting.

These five superstars could each pack a full house. Coordinating their busy schedules to perform together was truly an Olympic feat.

"The concert is special. It was very challenging to have all of these five singers share the stage one night," says Chen Zuohuang, conductor and artistic director of the NCPA.

Barbara Bonney

"When my friends in US opera scene heard about my idea for the concert, they said 'Are you crazy?'" He explained that many friends were skeptical that he could pull off the grand vision.

Fortunately, the Olympic spirit of cooperation prevailed. Thanks to Chen's diligence, the five performers agreed to harmonize.

Charles Castronovo

"The emblem of the five rings represents the five continents of the world, and reinforces the idea that the 'Olympic Movement' is international and welcomes all countries of the world to join," says Chen.

"It's a pity that we couldn't get singers from five continents or more different races, due to the consideration of different vocal parts and programs," he adds.

Leading Chinese composer Xu Peidong wrote the song for which the concert is named. "It's my honor to be commissioned to write the title song," says Xu.

Yet, it wasn't an easy task. "To tell the truth, it's so hard to create one song featuring two tenors, one soprano, one mezzo-soprano and one baritone. I had to spend quite a few months to do it," he adds.

"I have enjoyed and suffered from composing it. I must say that every note flows from my heart, and I hope both the singers and listeners will like it."