Appassionato: A life enriched by music, and vice versa

He pointed out that a performer cannot focus his time purely on the words and music on the page, but needs to use his life experiences to bring depth and intensity to his music. Looking back at all his ups and downs, Cao said his life never lacked variety, which made him a better musician.

Born into a musical family, he was inspired by his uncle, a Chinese vocal professor and also an outstanding baritone who became his tutor during his days at university.

Before going to the UK, Cao was a soloist with the Beijing Song, Dance and Opera Company and sang with the Beijing Symphony Orchestra, where he was appointed and remains an artistic adviser since 1998.

He reflected that he further discovered the depth and breadth of classical music during his time at the Royal College of Music in London, where he also fell in love with English music.

“English music is very distinct from continental European music. I personally feel that the English language is highly synchronized with the music that great English composers have written, and I admire them enormously,” Cao said.

But his favorite is still Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, whose operas’ dramatic qualities continue to inspire him.

From 1996 to 2000, Cao often presented weekly music programs for the BBC World Service, and from 2004 to 2010, he gave Chinese language commentary for the BBC Proms concert live from the Royal Albert Hall in London to a Chinese audience every summer.

Cao said he has also derived great enjoyment from watching his students grow in their musical careers and become confident individuals in the process.

In management, Cao has done a great deal to help students from China, in addition to promoting Sino-British cooperation through education.

Perhaps some of Cao’s care for his students reflects his role as a father, and speaking about his own four children, his eyes sparkle with pride.

“I love my children, and it makes me proud to see them growing up and having a life of their own. I have so many reasons to be happy about life, and one of my greatest joys is seeing that my children have been inspired by my passion for music in their drive to succeed in whatever they do.”

cecily.liu@chinadaily.com.cn