Zaikuan Song, a native of China, is an operatic bass celebrated for his majestically resonant voice and keen dramatic instinct. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Vocal Performance from Michigan State University College of Music, as well as Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees from the China Conservatory of Music.

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Mr. Song’s artistry transcends stylistic boundaries, spanning a diverse repertoire from the comedic brilliance of Donizetti, Mozart, Puccini, and Rossini to the profound emotional depths of Verdi. He regularly collaborates with an illustrious roster of conductors, directors, and coaches, including Maestros James Meena, Marcello Cormio, and Anthony Barrese; stage directors Eve Summer, Ivan Stefanutti, James Marvel, Linda Brovsky, Garnett Bruce, and Jay Lesenger; and coaches Elden Little and Michael Recchiuti. Each performance is enriched by Song’s exceptional emotional nuance and technical brilliance.

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His operatic credits include roles such as The Bonze in Madame Butterfly, Colline in La Boheme, Raimondo in Lucia di Lammermoor, Dragon/Dog in The Big Swim, Rambaldo in La Rondine, the King and Ramfis in Aida, Timur in Turandot, Commendatore in Don Giovanni, Banco in Macbeth, and Sarastro in The Magic Flute. He has also performed 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 Theatre. Past engagements include leading roles with Opera Grand Rapids, Opera Carolina, Toledo Opera, and MSU Opera Theatre, as well as a notable appearance with the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis as a Gerdine Young Artist in 2022.

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As a concert and recital artist, Mr. Song has appeared as bass soloist in Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 with Pacific Symphony, Handel’s Messiah with Chapel Music at Duke University, and a Bach cantata performance at Michigan State University. He has also performed as a guest artist at Opera Carolina’s Gala at the Belk Theater, the Celebrating Music that United Our Community event at Halton Theater, and the Magnificent China — US-China Art Culture Festival.

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Among his accolades, Mr. Song was awarded the Top Prize in the National NATS Competition (Advanced College/Independent Studio Men Division). He was a Third Prize Winner in the 2020 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions Midwest Region Finals—honors that reflect his exceptional talent and dedication.

In an era where music builds bridges across cultures, Zaikuan Song stands out as a luminary artist, captivating audiences with his artistry and unwavering commitment to the transformative power of opera.