About Me

Chinese mezzo-soprano Fengzhen Liu is currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) in Vocal Performance at Michigan State University under the guidance of Professor Jane Bunnell. She previously earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Vocal Performance from Xinghai Conservatory of Music in China, studying with Professor Ling Duan.

Fengzhen is the Silver Medalist of the 2024 NTD International Vocal Competition and a prizewinner of the Golden Bell Award—China’s most prestigious national music award. She has also been recognized with top prizes at the Ode to the Red Boat National Singing Competition and the Zheng Qiufeng Vocal Works Competition.

A versatile and expressive performer, Fengzhen’s recent operatic roles include Bradamante in Alcina (Chicago Summer Opera), Pirate Jenny in The Threepenny Opera, Mae in The Grapes of Wrath (MSU), and Cherubino in a scene from Don Giovanni. She has also starred as Sister Jiang in the symphonic opera Sister Jiang and performed leading roles in contemporary musical productions such as The Same Youth and To Youth, the latter directed by famed choreographer Zhang Jigang (co-director of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Opening Ceremony).

Beyond the stage, Fengzhen is passionate about vocal pedagogy and the integration of traditional Chinese vocal aesthetics with Western bel canto technique. She has worked as a teaching assistant and researcher in projects exploring innovative approaches to folk opera training.

Fengzhen has participated in master classes with renowned artists including Alexandra LoBianco, Norman Reinhardt, Ian Howell, and Jane Bunnell, further enriching her technical and artistic development. As a member of various international vocal associations, she continues to build a cross-cultural career combining performance, scholarship, and artistic collaboration.

I am passionate about the power of music to connect cultures and inspire audiences, and I continue to seek opportunities to challenge myself artistically, both in my academic studies and in professional performances.