Hao Jiang Tian : A PBS Special "From Mao To The Met"

Funded by the Committee of 100, this one-man show features Metropolitan Opera basso Hao Jiang Tian weaving song and story into a compelling tale of growing up in China under Chairman Mao, based on his autobiography (with co-author Lois B. Morris) "Along the Roaring River: My Wild Ride from Mao to the Met". Performing songs of the Cultural Revolution, American standards such as "Some Enchanted Evening", Irish song "Danny Boy" and operatic arias from his favorite roles, Tian tells the story of the music-and the woman- that changed his life. Accompanying himself on accordion, guitar and piano, joined by the voice of his singing parrot, Tian reveals the spirit, and deep resonant voice, that carried him from Mao to the Met.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• revolutionary songs
• o danny boy
• arias
• don carlo
• faust
• figaro
• met
• metropolitan opera
• Chinese bass
• hao
• jiang
• tian
• tian hao jiang
• rowan tree
• Jambalyaya
• Red River Valley
• Bonesetter's Daughter
• The First Emperor
• Poet Li Bai

[dark14]

@operablogger Do you have a link to your article? I'd love to read it~ : )

[sunstoner]

i stayed up last night to watch this it was great...

[operablogger]

This past summer I had the great pleasure of interviewing Tian and his wife, Martha Liao, for an article I was writing on Chinese opera singers, and they were perhaps the most delightful people I've chatted with in a very long time. Tian is superb in two of the complete operas I own on CD: "Il Guarany" by Gomes and "Le Cid" by Massenet. Both feature Placido Domingo in a leading role.

[carolhope]

I've read the book, Along the Roaring River, and loved it. It's a most compelling story. I've seen Tian in several operas, one in person and others on DVDs. He's an outstanding actor with a beautiful voice.