On July 15, 2024, American mezzo-soprano and State Department Arts Envoy Carla Canales delivered a highly anticipated lecture titled "American Repertoires" at the Bagua Building on Gulangyu Island. This lecture was part of a broader initiative aimed at promoting cultural exchange and appreciation of the arts. Emphasizing the philosophy of "music serving the people", Carla portrayed music as a profound means to nourish the soul and bridge cultural boundaries.

The audience, diverse and engaged, included 22 students from Xiamen Music School, 16 members of the Xiamen Song and Dance Theater, and 20 online registrants. This varied attendance underscored opera's broad appeal and relevance as an art form.

Carla tells the audience what she thinks about opera. [Photo by Lin Yuyang for chinadaily.com.cn]

Carla captivated the audience with her resonant mezzo-soprano voice and dynamic stage presence, performing excerpts from "Carmen" and offering an educational, interactive experience. She demystified opera singing and stage techniques, making the art form accessible and engaging.

A standout aspect of the lecture was Carla's interactive session, where she imparted basic opera knowledge, fielded questions, and encouraged audience participation, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of opera.

Towards the lecture's conclusion, Carla performed the beloved Chinese song "I Love You, China" in Chinese, demonstrating her affection for China and its people. This gesture reflected her hope for stronger bonds of friendship between the peoples of China and the United States.

Following Carla's performance, local talents took the stage, including a member of the Xiamen Song and Dance Theater and two students from Xiamen Music School. Carla offered valuable feedback and guidance, offering these young artists a rare opportunity to learn from a globally renowned performer.

Carla Canales's lecture successfully fostered cultural understanding between China and the US, elevating opera as a universal art form. As a State Department Arts Envoy, she highlighted music's power to bridge differences and left a lasting, positive impression, paving the way for future cultural exchanges.

Carla instructs a student at Xiamen Music School on how to find her chest resonance. [Photo by Lin Yuyang for chinadaily.com.cn]