Making Chinese opera an international music form

China Post issued commemorative stamp series celebrating Liu Shiming in 2012[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Teaching teaches the teacher

Now nearly 80, Liu wants his style of singing to last, not just through his various recordings, but through more groups of students; and not just for the enjoyment of Chinese listeners, but for opera lovers around the world.

"Teaching polishes and perfects my singing," Liu said. "On stage, it’s not necessary for all the notes to be crystal clear and standard, and the position of the larynx can be more relaxed; but when you’re teaching students, you have to be exemplary in the exact frequency and perfect position of your head, your chest, and nasal cavity."

Nie Jianhua, a leading singer with a troupe in Beijing, was full of gratitude at the mention of Liu’s name. "He’s a devoted tutor who trains by example and taught me to use my heart and passions in singing," he said. "And quite unusually, he didn’t charge me at all. Neither have I heard of him charging any of his other students. He offers us all his skill and knowledge as a gift, a blessing."

Liu said many of his students came from poor farmers' families who aspire for arts. Instead of being paid, Liu even dined them and covered their travel costs for exams. "Some students just cried in front of me," he said. Moreover, "with more musical experience and understanding, my singing is also improving.

Liu’s pursuit of expertise and stage perfection has brought him close to the younger generation at the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theatre. While helping the theater on a new production of The White-Haired Girl, he seems to remember every tone and every move.

"Singing is the soulful fountain of joy in my life," he said. "I’m savoring the nectar of a blessed bliss."