NEW YORK—There are many talented vocalists around the world, but they need something more to be considered “real artists” by the judges at New Tang Dynasty TV’s (NTDTV) Chinese International Vocal Competition last weekend.
“In addition to technique, we look at their understanding of the songs, and their outlook on life, which you can see in their eyes,” said judge Guan Guimin at a press conference. Guan was among the first artists to be named a “National First-Class Performer” by China’s Ministry of Culture.
“Foremost we require that they have good character. If they are slick headed or pompous, that’s something they can’t hide on stage,” he said.
This third annual competition is part of a series of nine held by international satellite television station NTDTV, whose mission is to promote traditional culture through the arts, according to its mission statement.
Judge Han Suqiu, a vocal specialist and educator further explained.
“Chinese people believe that traditional music was passed down by divine beings. Yet nowadays as human moral value decline, people no longer pursue purity and beauty,” she said.
“When a person’s mind is clear and clean, his or her voice reflects this. Even when the singer is portraying miserable or intense feelings, he or she can still express it in a pure way, rather than pouring out anger,” she said.
“In addition to technique, we look at their understanding of the songs, and their outlook on life, which you can see in their eyes,” said judge Guan Guimin at a press conference. Guan was among the first artists to be named a “National First-Class Performer” by China’s Ministry of Culture.
“Foremost we require that they have good character. If they are slick headed or pompous, that’s something they can’t hide on stage,” he said.
This third annual competition is part of a series of nine held by international satellite television station NTDTV, whose mission is to promote traditional culture through the arts, according to its mission statement.
Judge Han Suqiu, a vocal specialist and educator further explained.
“Chinese people believe that traditional music was passed down by divine beings. Yet nowadays as human moral value decline, people no longer pursue purity and beauty,” she said.
“When a person’s mind is clear and clean, his or her voice reflects this. Even when the singer is portraying miserable or intense feelings, he or she can still express it in a pure way, rather than pouring out anger,” she said.
