Internationally known soprano Sharon I-Chun Cheng will present “An Evening of Bel Canto” at East Tennessee State University on Friday, March 26, at 7:30 p.m. in Mathes Hall.”Bel canto,” an Italian phrase meaning “beautiful singing,” is often used to refer to an era in which the beauty and elegance of the human voice were most glorified. The program includes songs and arias by Rossini, Bellini and Donizetti, as well as Liszt’s “Tre sonetti di Petrarca,” a set of songs simulating bel canto style, written after the composer’s trip to Italy around 1838-39.

Praised for her voice with its distinctive warm timbre and flexibility, Cheng has sung a variety of coloratura operatic roles.

She has performed in several high-profile recitals throughout Asia, the United States and Europe, and recently made her debut with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra as the soprano soloist in Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9.”

During her appearance at ETSU, Cheng will be accompanied by pianist Dr. Chih-Long Hu, assistant professor in the Department of Music.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.

For more information or special assistance for those with disabilities, call the Department of Music at 423- 439-4276.

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