The preliminary selection for the Asia-Pacific region of the 2nd Global Chinese Vocal Competition in Chiayi, Taiwan , kicked off this highly acclaimed competition series on July 5–6, 2008. Organized by New Tang Dynasty TV, Mr. Guan Guimin, the President of the judging panel and Ms. Han Suqiu, a member of the selection committee say they are both looking forward to a competition of the highest caliber and the grandest scale.
According to Mr. Guan Guimin, the qualities of the contestants this year are expected to top those of last year's, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. The preliminary selection in North America was held on August 8, 2008, a day just before the quarter-finals.
Mr. Guan said the purpose of this competition is to facilitate cultural exchange and promote orthodox vocal arts, that are characterized by truth, compassion and beauty in their purest forms. As in the first series, contestants will have the choice of competing in either division of the competition–traditional Chinese or classical Western. Genres of songs are traditional Chinese or other ethnicity, classical, theme songs from movies and television shows, as well as Chinese or foreign aria. However folk songs are excluded.
As Mr. Guan emphasized that this Global Chinese Vocal Competition is aimed at promoting orthodox and upright arts, there is a stipulation that songs in praise of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) or songs infiltrated with the Party's culture will not be accepted.
The CCP is the key perpetrator in destroying traditional Chinese culture,” said Mr. Guan, “The CCP has long been promoting that ‘culture and art shall serve the political regime', and many pure original Chinese folk songs have been distorted to become violent revolutionary songs to glorify the party. Hence, he hopes that contestants, especially those from mainland China will pay special attention in selecting appropriate songs for the competition.
Regarding the CCP’s attempt to sabotage the competitions, Mr. Guan stated , “Last year, the CCP tried its best to block the information of our vocal competition and even harassed prospective contestants in mainland China, thus preventing them from attending the competition. This year, the CCP is facing certain restrictions itself thanks to the pressure from the international community. We hope more talented people will grab this opportunity to be recognized at our global competition. It would certainly be a great thing for one’s career and future”. Mr. Guan especially hopes singers of the traditional Chinese genre will make breakthroughs at this competition.
Ms. Han Suqiu has been a teacher at the Vocal Music department at Central University for Nationalities, China for over ten years. She has also served as a member of the selection committees for numerous singing competitions. According to Ms. Han, amongst the selection committee, are renowned singers, experienced vocal teachers and a famous orchestra conductor. The selection committee will evaluate the contestants based entirely on their artistic levels. Ms. Han said, “For example, many talented singers of traditional Chinese genre could not make it to last year’s competition. Hence no award was issued for the category as we would never sacrifice quality. We sincerely hope performers will have huge breakthroughs this year”..
Ms. Han emphasized that in the Chinese vocal division , the participants must select one Chinese song. It is relatively difficult to perform well in Chinese singing as the four tones of the Chinese characters themselves have rhythmic charms. In the past 5,000 years of Chinese history, Chinese characters have conveyed rich meanings and fascinations.
From “Classic of Poetry”, “Songs of Chu”, ancient music books to lyrical Chinese poetry, the development of Chinese song has undergone a long evolution and systematic diversification. Singing techniques and styles are varied and are both broad and profound.
“A good singer is not only capable of expressing the inner spirit of a song, but also able to reveal his or her upbringing and character.” Ms. Han said.
Mr. Guan and Ms. Han hope that more talented singers will enter the competition and become pioneers in promoting orthodox Chinese culture.
