Zaikuan Song, operatic bass, is a native of China. Mr. Song is a graduate of Michigan State University school of music (DMA) and China Conservatory of Music (MM and BM) in vocal performance. Zaikuan Song is recognized for his majestically resonant bass voice and for a keen dramatic instinct that he brings to a wide range of roles on the opera stage. Song's artistry transcends boundaries, traversing a diverse repertoire that spans the comedic genius of Donizetti, Mozart, Puccini, and Rossini to the profound depths of Verdi's most poignant works. Mr. Song regularly works with an illustrious array of conductors, directors, and coaches including Maestro James Meena, Maestro Marcello Cormio, Maestro Anthony Barrese, Eve Summer, Ivan Stefanutti, James Marvel, Linda Brovsky, Garnett Bruce, and Jay Lesenger, Coach Elden Little, and Michael Recchiuti. Song enriches each performance with a depth of emotional nuance and technical brilliance.
Mr. Song's notable engagements include The King and Ramfis in Aida, Timur in Turandot, Commendatore in Don Giovanni, Banco in Macbeth, and Sarastro in The Magic Flute. He has sung the roles of Germano in La Scala di Seta, Simone in Gianni Schicchi, Frank Maurrant in Street Scene, Figaro in Le Nozze di Figaro, Dulcamara in L'elisir d'amore, Mr. Emerson in A Room with a View, Changwu Ye in the Chinese Opera (The Savage Land) and Ariodate in Xerxes with MSU Opera Theater. Past season credits include leading roles with Opera Grand Rapids, Opera Carolina, Toledo Opera, MSU opera theatre, and concert appearances with Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Gerdine Young Artist Program in 2022.
As an accomplished recitalist and concert artist, Song has been the bass soloist in Beethoven Symphony No.9 with Pacific Symphony, the bass soloist in Handel Messiah with Chapel Music at Duke University in North Carolina, and the bass soloist in Bach Cantat at the MSU Auditorium building in East Lansing. a guest singer at Opera Carolina Gala at Belk Theater, and Celebrating Music that United our community at Halton Theater in North Carolina, a Guest singer at Magnificent China — US-China Art Culture Festival, bass soloist.
Mr. Song's accolades include the prestigious Top Prize in the National NATS competition in the advanced college/Independent Studio men division, as well as being named a Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions 2020 Midwest Region Finalist, earning third prize—a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.
In an era where music serves as a bridge between cultures, Zaikuan Song stands as a luminary, transcending boundaries and captivating audiences with his unparalleled artistry and unwavering commitment to the transformative power of opera.