Carla takes a photo with the Nanyin performers while wearing Hanfu. [Photo/WeChat account: XIAMENFAO]
From July 12 to 20, Carla Dirlikov Canales, an American mezzo-soprano singer and US State Department Arts Envoy, visited Xiamen to participate in the 5th Gulangyu Music Festival as well as activities such as the "Friendship Starts with Listening China US Opera Singers Night", promoting cultural and artistic exchanges between China and the United States.
On July 24, Xie Feng, Chinese Ambassador to the United States, praised Carla's visit to Xiamen on social media, emphasizing that "Friendship starts with listening!"
On July 15, Carla held an opera lecture, sharing with the audience her experiences as a performer and demonstrating vocal techniques.
On the same day, Carla enjoyed a performance by the Xiamen Nanyin Troupe, immersing herself in the traditional musical culture of Xiamen.
On July 19, the "China US Opera Singers Night" concert was held in Xiamen. Carla, along with Chinese musicians, performed multiple classic opera excerpts from both Chinese and Western cultures, as well as early Chinese art songs, on stage.
During her visit, Carla held professional lectures and engaged in discussions with music teachers and students from Xiamen. They explored topics such as opera vocal techniques and vocalization methods. She encouraged young people from China and USA to participate in cultural exchanges.
Carla said that she plans to revisit the music festival next year and invite more American music industry professionals to participate.
