Tenor Ding Yi

Many contend that authentic western opera can only be found in Europe. But tenor Ding Yi has broken the mold. He's made a place for himself on the world stage, while maintaining a strong foothold in his native China. On today's "The List", we trace the singer's career, and see what it means for opera.

April 20th, 2005 was an unusual night at Australia's Sydney Opera House when an Asian face appeared in the starring role of bel canto classic, "Norma". Playing the treacherous Roman Pro-Consul, Pollione, Ding Yi gave a thrilling interpretation of this Bellini masterpiece.

The night was a huge success and local media praised Ding for having what they called "one of the most extraordinary voices to be heard on the planet".

Ding Yi sealed his position as the first Asian to take a lead role at the prestigious Opera Australia. But behind this moment, was ten years of hard struggle.

Ding Yi said, "I don't want Westerners to think that this art can only be mastered by them. I believe that we Asians are also equally able. I think great composers have bequeathed their great works to all human beings, not exclusively to those in the West. I certainly want to keep going in this career."

Born to a musical family with a composer father and soprano mother in Northwest China's Gansu Province, Ding discovered an early interest in opera. But he was soon frustrated by doctors telling him he lacked the basic make-up of a born singer.

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