Tenor Jiang Dawei will hold a solo concert at Shanghai Grand Theatre on January 12.
Jiang has done over 1,000 performances. His repertoire includes the theme song for the hit TV series "Journey to the West", "Song of the Peony" and "Where the Peach Flowers are in Full Blossom."
In the 1980s, before the flood of Hong Kong and Taiwanese songs, Jiang's songs were very popular.
Jiang said he has a profound love for the city of Shanghai and regards the chance to perform at the Shanghai Grand Theatre as one of the most important of his life.
Jiang is considered a pioneer in combining techniques of Chinese folk songs with western opera.
He was the first musician who dared hold a solo concert of Chinese folk songs in 1999.
Jiang is learning the techniques of young pop stars. "I will blend the features of pop techniques with my own style," he said.
The concert will be divided into two parts. In the first, the audience will hear all the well-known and well-loved folk songs of Jiang Dawei. In the second, Jiang will sing several contemporary pieces for Chinese folk tenors and many famous folk songs overseas.
(Shanghai Star January 4, 2002)
