Biography

Hailed “vocal promise” by Opera News, Chinese Mezzo-soprano Daiyao Zhong is quickly establishing herself as an artist at home in opera, art song, concert, and contemporary repertoire.

Born and raised in Guangzhou, China, Ms. Zhong discovered her love for singing at a young age and has been honing her craft ever since. Currently pursuing her doctorate in voice at the University of Michigan under the expert guidance of Freda Herseth, Daiyao's musical odyssey has been marked by relentless dedication and unwavering commitment. She holds a Bachelor's and a Master’s degree in Voice from the Manhattan School of Music.

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Her repertoire spans a wide spectrum, showcasing her versatility as a mezzo-soprano on both domestic and international stages. Her most notable roles include Cherubino in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro, Dorabella in Mozart's Cosi fan tutte, Octavian in Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier, and L’opinion publique in Offenbach’s Orphée aux enfers, etc. As a young artist, she attended the Maryland Lyric Opera Young Artist Institute, iSING! International Young Artists Festival, and International Vocal Arts Institute, where she received critical acclaim for her performances.

In addition to her operatic work, Daiyao is also a celebrated concert soloist. She has performed as a soloist in Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and Choral Fantasy, Bach’s Magnificat, Handel’s Messiah, Faure’s Requiem, and Mozart's Requiem, among others. She has also been featured in recitals and concerts across the country and around the world.

Daiyao is not only an artist of exceptional caliber but also a compassionate soul dedicated to philanthropy. Actively participating in numerous benefit concerts, she uses her talent and platform to give back to her community. With unwavering dedication, she strives to make classical music accessible to a broader audience, nurturing the aspirations of budding singers and inspiring the next generation with the beauty of her craft.