Qiulin Zhang

Qiulin Zhang is a Paris based Chinese-born accomplished artist both as painter and opera singer known for her contralto vibrant voice. After receiving extensive training in her home country of China, she undertook her first study trip to France in 1989, where she had the opportunity to immerse herself in the rich traditions of Western classical music at the prestigious Schola Cantorum in Paris. She subsequently made the life-changing decision to settle permanently in France in 1995, a move that would allow her to further develop her career. In recognition of her talent, she won the Grand Prix at the esteemed Marmande International Competition, an event presided over by a distinguished jury of 17 influential French opera theatre directors. This accolade provided her with invaluable exposure and opened doors to new opportunities in the realm of opera. Following this achievement, Qiulin continued her musical education at the renowned Paris Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique, where she honed her skills in the class of celebrated instructors Andréa Guiot and Jacques Doucet.

Qiulin made her debut on the French operatic stage, captivating audiences in the roles of Maddalena in Rigoletto at the Rennes Opera, Sextus in La Clemenza di Tito, and Suzuki in Madame Butterfly at the Saint-Étienne Opera— this role she brilliantly reprised at the Opéra de Marseille and the Dublin Opera House. Additionally, she showcased her remarkable versatility by performing the role of Ute in Oscar Strauss's Les Joyeux Nibelungen at the prestigious Opéra de Caen and portrayed the Mother in the enchanting Les Contes d'Hoffmann at the Opéra d'Avignon. She also astounded audiences with her performance as Carmen in the opera of the same name at the renowned Hong Kong Festival in collaboration with the Lille National Orchestra. Her other notable roles include Roswilde in Die Walküre at the Amsterdam Opera and Schwertleite at the Lisbon Opera, where where her powerful performances received rave reviews.

Outside of her acclaimed work in opera, Qiulin indulges her passion for painting, exploring the intersection between music and visual art by creating vibrant and colourful works that are playful, full of joy and humour. Her artwork, reflecting her rich cultural background and artistic journey, has been exhibited in several galleries across France and in Europe, capturing the attention of art enthusiasts and critics alike. Through her creative endeavors, Qiulin aims not only to entertain but also to inspire others to embrace their passions, a quality that resonates deeply within her. Additionally, she often engages with local communities and participates in art workshops, fostering creativity and encouraging artists to express themselves through both music and art.

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