Homecoming queen

On Dec 13, she sang the title role in Turandot at the Shanghai Grand Theater, which was the first time that the 47-year-old soprano had performed the role in front of a Chinese audience, after her successful debut in the role earlier this year at the Dubai Opera House.

She has received several invitations to play the title character of the Chinese princess. However, she says she was initially cautious about it and didn't take up the offer until recently, now that both her voice and technique have reached their finest condition.

"I think deep inside she is a little girl hungry for love, but is scared of it at the same time," she tells the media before the premiere at the Shanghai Grand Theater. "Eventually love melts the cold ice, and the yearning for love is awakened by Prince Calaf, and Liu, who eventually sacrifices her own life for love.

"I try to present a Turandot with tenderness in the heart, based on my understanding of Chinese culture," she says. "After all, the Chinese princess is a multifaceted character."

The soprano adds that many of the roles she performed are female, who are loyal and hungry for love. She fell in love with these roles because she is "also very romantic and full of love in her heart".

Born in Ankang, Shaanxi province, He heard a CD of La Boheme for the first time at the age of 18, which prompted her to become a singer, even though she couldn't understand Italian. She graduated from the Xi'an Conservatory of Music and made her debut as Aida in a 1998 production marking the opening of the Shanghai Grand Theater.

For He, being a soprano offers her the chance to use both her vocal and acting abilities.

"Every note expresses the character's mood, personality and attitude. I try to understand the background of each of the character I play and portray them using my imagination," she says.

Now living in Verona, Italy, and touring worldwide, He returns to China every year to hold recitals and master classes, hoping to introduce the Western art form to a wider Chinese audience and cultivate the next generation of Chinese singers.

Last year, she toured six Chinese cities with a solo recital to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her music career.

She says there are many talented young Chinese singers out there, but suggests that some need to improve the versatility in their portrayal of the characters through the use of their voices. She says aspiring young musicians should "love the art instead of the honors, flowers and the applause that comes with it".

As a Chinese musician performing opera, a Western art form, she says she has to overcome all kinds of obstacles in language and culture.

"A beautiful voice alone is not enough," she adds.