International Vocal Competition Reaches New Heights

The International Vocal Competition is part of NTD’s series of cultural events to revive traditional Chinese culture, and as such, each finalist was asked to sing a Chinese song in bel canto style along with their own selection of opera pieces.

The award ceremony of NTD's annual vocal competition concludes at Carnegie Hall. DAI BING/THE EPOCH TIMES

NEW YORK—After three rounds of eliminating contestants, New Tang Dynasty (NTD) Television’s International Vocal Competition concluded with the contestants’ joint performance with opera phenomena Marcello Giordani at Carnegie Hall.

Mario Zhang from Canada and Iaia Hanying Tso from Taiwan grabbed the gold prizes, winning $10,000 each. They emerged from 30 contestants selected in two preliminary rounds held in New York and Taiwan.

Originally from China, Mario Zhang has performed in operatic productions and concerts all around the world. He graduated at the London Royal College of Music and won the First Prize at the National Clonter Opera Competition in London. He was also a finalist at the Placido Domingo International Opera Competition and the Metropolitan Opera Competition.

Iaia Hanying Tso graduated from the Luigi Cherubini Conservatory in Italy, and won second place at the Concorso Internazionale in 2010.