Shenzhen Daily  2009-12-15

Born in Kashgar in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in 1958, Dilber Yunus is an internationally acclaimed soprano, also known as the "Philomela of China." She will sing at the Shenzhen Concert Hall with Symphonia Vienna on Jan. 7.

In 1976, Dilber was admitted to the Songs and Dances Troupe of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. In 1980, Dilber joined the Department of Vocal Music and Operas in the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. In 1984, still a student, she won a major award at the Finland International Opera Competition. In 1987, she finished her master's degree at the conservatory. The Finland National Opera and the Sweden Malmoe Opera then employed Dilber as a permanent recital singer.

Dilber won the Birgit Nilsson Prize in 1997 and 1998. She is considered to be one of the best coloratura sopranos of her era, with critics praising her "unparalleled beauteous voice." She has so far mastered the Italian, French, German, English, Finnish and Swedish languages.

Dilber does not overdo "ornamentation" as a coloratura soprano usually does, and her technique is considered by critics to be in perfect balance.

Among her numerous roles, Dilber has appeared as Gilda in Verdi's "Rigoletto," Lucia in Donizetti's "Lucia di Lamermoor," Loretta in Puccini's "Gianni Schicchi," Olympia in Offenbach's "Les contes d'Hoffmann," The Nightingale in Igor Stravinsky's "The Nightingale," and Rosina in Gioacchino Rossini's "Il Barbiere di Siviglia." In addition, she has held hundreds of solo concerts around the world.

Time: 8 p.m. Jan. 7

Tickets: 180, 280, 380, 480, 680, 880 yuan

Venue: Shenzhen Concert Hall, intersection of Hongli Road and Yitian Road, Futian District (福田区红荔路和益田路交汇处深圳音乐厅)

Buses: 15, 25, 35, 38, 41, 54, 60, 64, 65, 71, 107, 108, 111, 215, 228, 235, 236, 237, 322, 350, 374, 383, 391

Metro: Shao Nian Gong Station (Children's Palace Station 少年宫站), Exit C or D, Shi Min Zhong Xin Station (Citizen's Center Station 市民中心站), Exit B 

(Zhang Chanwen)