Soprano and pianist Chelsea Guo in concert

A rising star in the classical music world, soprano and pianist Chelsea Guo is a rare talent who catches the eye of critics and audiences alike. 

She won the Young Concert Artists International Auditions in 2022 as both a pianist and vocalist – the double award a first in its history.

Chelsea Guo. Photo courtesy of Shenzhen Concert Hall

This Sunday evening, she will entertain local fans with a program focused on Chopin’s works, not just in the form of piano solo, but also accompanying her own vocals on the piano.

For the piano solo part, she will perform the first eight pieces of Chopin’s “24 Préludes, Op.28” and “Nocturnes, Op. 62, No. 1 in B Major,” as well as Fauré’s “Ballade in F-sharp Major, Op. 19.”

For the vocal and piano repertoire, she will sing and play “There’s a Song in Me,” with lyrics by Ernst Marischka and music from Chopin’s “Étude in E Major, No. 3,” excerpts from 12 Chopin mazurkas with lyrics by Pauline Viardot, as well as the works of Fauré, Rossini, and Donizetti.

French mezzo-soprano Viardot, a friend of Chopin’s, had adapted his 12 mazurkas into vocals. The composer was so satisfied with the outcome that he himself accompanied Viardot on the piano at the work’s debut. As for Fauré, his works, especially the early nocturnes, exhibit a strong Chopin influence.

Born in New York State and raised in Connecticut, the United States, Guo recently graduated with bachelor’s degree in piano from The Juilliard School under the tutelage of Chen Hung-kuan. Meanwhile, she continues her vocal studies with Jason Ferrante at the school, also mentored by renowned soprano Barbara Bonney.

“Chelsea Guo: Chopin in My Voice,” her debut album from 2021 released by the Orchid Classics, was recommended by the Gramophone Magazine among its Essential New Albums that year. 

Guo has also given recitals across the United States and toured in China in recent years.

Tickets: 80-280 yuan

Time: 7:30 p.m., Sunday

Venue: Chamber Hall, 5/F, Shenzhen Concert Hall, Futian District (深圳音乐厅5楼小剧场)

Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace Station (少年宫站), Exit D