When Poetry Sings — Voices from the Far East
seeks to illuminate the intersection of traditions through art song.
Curated by Pianist Leona Cheung,
this program presents settings of Chinese poetry by composers around the world.
Honors
- Recognition from the Massachusetts State Senate, 2026
- Recognition from the Boston Mayor's Office, 2026
- Recipient of the Boston Opportunity Fund Award, 2025
Media Coverage
- The Boston Globe: “When Poetry Sings” Featured as Three Highlighted Classical Music Events of the Week
- NEC Alumni News: Leona Cheung ’18 MM, ’20 GD Awarded Boston Opportunity Fund
- Pao Arts Center News: An Evening of Music, Poetry, and Cultural Connection
Audience 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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
About the Artists
Leona Cheung 張力安 · Music Director / Pianist
A Hong Kong–born collaborative pianist based in Boston, Leona 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).
Angela Yam 任慧晶 · Soprano
Known for her impeccable musicianship and fierce stage presence. She has appeared as a Wolf Trap Opera Filene Artist, playing Clorinda in La Cenerentola. Her recent season features returns to Boston Lyric Opera (The Daughter of the Regiment), Asia Society Texas (The Big Swim), and Heartbeat Opera (Orgy & Bess). Accolades 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.
Hana Yiu 姚曉嵐 · Contralto
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, celebrating AAPI voices and cultural heritage. Mrs. Yiu is an active choral artist with The Riverside Church and has appeared with The Unsung Collective in collaboration with the New York Philharmonic in an oratorio honoring Paul Robeson. She holds a Master’s in Vocal Performance from The Hartt School and a Bachelor of Music from the Manhattan School of Music.
Zizhao Wang 王子釗 · Bass-Baritone
A Jane & Steven Akin Emerging Artist at Boston Lyric Opera, appearing in Macbeth, La Bohème, and Ride of the Valkyries. Engagements include the revival of The Big Swim with Asia Society Texas co-produced with Houston Grand Opera, and the world premiere of The House on Mango Street at the Glimmerglass Festival. Other appearances include Knoxville Opera, Opera Southwest, Virginia Opera, and New England Conservatory. He was a New England Region second-place winner and Boston District Winner in the 2019 Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition.
Concert Event
Premiere: May 8, 2026 @ Pao Arts Center, Boston
Official Event Page:
paoartscenter.org/events/2026/poetrysings
