Beijing's opera fans might still remember the impressive Calaf in Zhang Yimou's production of Turandot under the baton of Zubin Mehta at the Forbidden City in September 1999.
Played by Kristjan Johannsson, a well-known tenor from Iceland, the Mongolian prince Calaf not only won Turandot's love, but the audience's applause as well. Now he will tour China again and will give a concert accompanied by the China National Symphony Orchestra at the Century Theatre on Saturday.
Johannsson was born in Akureyri, Iceland, to a musical family and his father is honoured as one of the best and most beloved tenors in Iceland. Johannsson did not begin his musical studies until he was 20-years-old at the College of Music in his hometown.
He then went to Italy to pursue vocal training, attending the Conservatory of Nicolini in Piacenza under the guidance of M. Gianni Poggi, and later taking private study from renowned Ettore Campogalliani and the legendary tenor Ferruccio Tagliavini, who helped him establish a command of true Italian style.
After Johannsson made his debut as Rodolfo in La Boheme at the National Theatre of Iceland, his career has grown even more promising. His talents quickly attracted the attention of major opera houses in Britain and Italy.
"His strong, secure and vibrant singing has made him especially popular in Verdi, Puccini and the verism operas," said Li Xincao, conductor with China National Symphony Orchestra, who will conduct this concert in Beijing.
In the concert, Johannsson will sing Celeste Aide from Verdi's Aida and E Lucevan Le Stelle from Puccini's Toscav. In addition, he will sing Viene La Sera from Puccini's Madame Butterfly with soprano Liu Honglin from the China Central Opera Theatre.
(China Daily September 10, 2002)
