This is her first recital in Shanghai since her return last year from the Music School at the University of Maryland in the United States.

"One year's overseas study has broadened my view and enriched my understanding of folk songs," Fang said. Born into a musical family, she studied under Wang Qiuyun and Zhou Xiaoyan at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.

After graduation, she worked for the Shanghai Opera House as a soloist and began to establish herself in music circles. Over the past decade, she has won prizes one after another for her vocal talent.

However, she was not satisfied with her achievements because she wanted to combine Chinese singing technique with Western style. Last June, she went to University of Maryland to study under Professor Carmen Balthrop. She admitted that it was a hard experience for her because on one hand, she must overcome the language barrier and on the other hand, she must learn the singing technique quite different from what she had known since her childhood.

However, she overcame all the difficulties finally and even managed to hold several recitals in the States.

(Shanghai Star 05/11/2001)