Adler Profile: Chong Wang

by San Francisco Opera Staff

Chong Wang joins us as an Adler Fellow from Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China. Mr. Wang studied at the Conservatory of the People’s Liberation Party in China, and has performed numerous roles at Beijing’s National Centre for the Performing Arts, including the Steersman (Der Fliegende Holländer), the Messenger (Aida), Dr. Caius (Falstaff), Ruiz (Il Trovatore), and Rodolphe (William Tell). Chong will join fellow Adlers Matthew Stump, Zanda Svede, and Jacqueline Piccolino in an upcoming Schwabacher Debut Recital with famed pianist and coach, Martin Katz!

Chong and Adler Fellow Ronny Michael Greenberg participating in a master class with pianist Warren Jones during Merola this past summer. Photo by Kristen Loken.

What was your earliest exposure to classical music? When did you begin performing and at what point did you decide to pursue it as a career?

I was first exposed to classical music when I was 14 years old, and I then started performing in 2010 when I worked for the NCPA [National Centre for the Performing Arts] in Beijing. I decided to pursue it as a career in 2012.

Do you have any musical influences beyond classical music? Who inspires you artistically?

I love to listen to classical music recordings. My father inspires me most.

Chong and Adler Fellow Nian Wang performing a scene from Carmen at the Schwabacher Summer Concert. Photo by Kristen Loken. — Chong and Adler Fellow Nian Wang performing a scene from *Carmen* at the Schwabacher Summer Concert. Photo by Kristen Loken.

What was your reaction when you learned you had been selected as an Adler Fellow? What are you most looking forward to as you begin your first year in the Adler Fellowship?

I was struggling a little bit, because I had to give up a lot of opportunites and principal roles in several productions at the NCPA. I'm most looking forward to learning more about diction and building up my knowledge of languages in my first year.

We're looking forward to your Schwabacher Debut Recital this month—what are you most looking forward to on the program and what has been the biggest challenge in preparing for this recital?

I am most looking forward to singing the Rigoletto duet from the first act, which has also been my biggest challenge to prepare.

Chong and Nian Wang at the Schwabacher Summer Concert. Photo by Kristen Loke.

What do you think is the most difficult part of beginning a career in opera?

Language is the most difficult part for me, because the systems are so different from my native tongue. If you could speak Italian, it would be easier to learn opera!

Who are your favorite opera composers? Do you have any dream roles you would like to perform?

Verdi is my favorite composer, and my dream role is the Duke in Rigoletto.

When you're not singing what are some of the activities you can be found doing?

Watching movies, playing basketball, or playing video games!

Chong performing at the Merola Grand Finale with Eliza Bonet. Photo by Kristen Loken.

Don't miss the next Schwabacher Debut Recital on March 15th, which will feature Chong Wang, Jacqueline Piccolino, Zanda Svede, and Matthew Stump in collaboration with Martin Katz.