(Credit: Shu Xiaoning)

The Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama has announced that Maestro Xu Zhong will be its first ever International Opera Chair representing Asia.

Zhong is a conductor, musician, opera producer and educator who is currently President of Shanghai Opera, Principal Director of Fondazione Arena di Verona, Conductor of Suzhou Symphony Orchestra and Dean of Soochow University School of Music. His career path also includes time as artistic director and conductor of the Teatro Massimo Bellini as well as musical director and conductor of the Israel Haifa Symphony Orchestra.

“I am very honored and delighted to have the opportunity to work closely with RWCMD,” Zhong said in a press release. “I will help RWCMD train opera and theater singers and performers in collaboration with the artistic director of the David Seligman Opera School, John Fisher and Cardiff Singer of the World’s David Jackson, as well as production talent for the ‘to come up.”

Zhong will strive to create opportunities for Western students to connect with China and the rest of the world through masterclasses, performances and other musical activities and events. He will also produce a gala concert and work with the Shanghai Opera and the Royal Opera House on a co-production of “Rigoletto”, which will allow students of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama to participate in masterclasses, lectures and performances. internship opportunities in Shanghai.