When Poetry Sings - Voices from the Far East
seeks to illuminate the intersection of traditions through art songs.
Curated by Pianist Leona Cheung,
this program presents settings of Chinese poetry from composers around the world.
Honors
- Recipient of Boston Opportunity Fund Award, 2025
- Recognition from the Massachusetts State Senate, 2026
- Recognition from the Boston Mayor's Office, 2026
Media Coverage
- Boston Globe: Three highlighted classical music event of the week
- NEC Alumni News: Leona Cheung ‘18 MM, ‘20 GD Awarded Boston Opportunity Fund
Reviews
Music director Leona Cheung expressed her musicianship and leadership at the highest level in curating these art song performances inspired by Chinese poetry as well as poetry about Chinese beauty. I was impressed with the vocal talents, range, and expressiveness of the three outstanding singers, and even more amazed by the ceaseless energy of Leona's guidance and piano collaboration. The program was varied and multilingual for everyone's enjoyment.
Ms. Carlson - Audience member
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When Poetry Sings exceeded all my expectations. I could tell curator Leona Cheung has put a great deal of thought and care into this program, and the time spent researching the songs. I love how the concert has two halves that mirror one another. Overall I was so glad I was able to attend this performance, and I sincerely hope it can be shared with an even broader audience at another venue.
Ms. Kwan - Audience member
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The very professional singers that you selected each clearly expressed a variety of emotions with their voices and their comportment, drawing us into the text and music of each song.
Ms. Crocker - Audience member
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With superb artistry and deep emotion, these singers seamlessly blend classic piano melodies with Chinese and English lyrics, preserving the soul of Chinese poetry while giving it an international voice. Their performances reflect exceptional artistic excellence and profound cultural confidence.
Mr Wong - Audience member
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It was such a gorgeous and lovingly curated and presented recital. I'll remember it well. I got chills many times. You presented so well and your piano playing was so imaginative and atmospheric! Totally perfect!!! And your singers were amazing too. It was just all beautifully done. Also your arrangements were awesome, such great skills.
Ms Zhang - Audience member
About the Artists
Leona Cheung 張力安 (Music Director/Pianist) a Hong Kong–born collaborative pianist based in Boston, is recognized for her expressive artistry and musical leadership. She has performed internationally across the United States, Canada, Europe, and China. A specialist in vocal repertoire, she collaborates with leading choral ensembles and serves as a staff pianist at major Boston institutions. An advocate for art song, she presents thoughtfully curated recitals and champions new works. Her honors include the Graham Johnson Art Song XXI Prize and an American Prize in Chamber Music Performance. Her playing has been praised as “artistically mature, well thought-out presentations” (Definitely the Opera).
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Angela Yam 任慧晶 (Soprano) is known for her impeccable musicianship and fierce stage presence. This summer, she is a Wolf Trap Opera Filene Artist, playing Clorinda in La Cenerentola. Her 2025–26 season featured returns to Boston Lyric Opera (The Daughter of the Regiment), Asia Society Texas (The Big Swim), and Heartbeat Opera (Orgy & Bess). Awards include the Boston Globe’s Best Breakout Performance in a Supporting Role, Gerda Lissner Foundation Art Song Grant Award Winner, Laffont Competition New York City District Winner, and the cover of Opera Magazine.
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Hana Yiu 姚曉嵐 (Contralto) is a contralto from Hong Kong, currently based in New York. In 2024, she partnered with pianist Leona Cheung to premiere the Cantonese art song “Soaring into the Light” at NYC SongSLAM, which celebrates AAPI voices and her cultural heritage. Mrs. Yiu is also an active choral artist with The Riverside Church, and had appeared with The Unsung Collective in collaboration with the New York Philharmonic, in an oratorio about the American singer and activist Paul Robeson. Mrs. Yiu received her Masters Degree in Vocal Performance from The Hartt School, and a Bachelor of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music.
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Zizhao Wang 王子釗 (Bass-Baritone) is a Jane & Steven Akin Emerging Artist at Boston Lyric Opera. In the 2025–26 season he appears in Macbeth, La Bohème, and for their gala in Ride of the Valkyries. Later he returns to Asia Society Texas for the revival of The Big Swim co-producing with Houston Grand Opera. He recently performed in the world premiere of The House on Mango Street at the Glimmerglass Festival. Previous engagements include Knoxville Opera, Opera Southwest, Guest Artist with New England Conservatory, Virginia Opera, Chinese National Opera Festival, and the Glimmerglass Festival. He was a New England Region second-place winner and Boston District Winner in the 2019 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition.
Concert Event
May 8, 2026 @ Pao Arts Center, Boston (Premiere)
Website: https://www.paoartscenter.org/events/2026/poetrysings