Urtiin Duu or "long song," the major form of Mongolian songs, and bel canto, are two totally different ways of singing. But the tenor Erdemutu, from the Wuzhumuqin grassland in Xilingol, can handle both styles equally well.

On Tuesday he will show off his extraordinary talent at the National Center for the Performing Arts.

Born in 1967, Erdemutu displayed a talent for singing and dancing as a little boy.

"At school, I was always the leader in student performances and at home, I couldn't help singing whenever I stood on the grassland," he says. "I sang both Mongolian folk songs and Chinese songs of that time."

In 1983, the 16-year-old Erdemutu's voice impressed a local music teacher who persuaded him to study singing at the Inner Mongolian Arts School in Hohhot. His life changed in 1995 when he applied to the China Conservatory of Music where professor Jin Yongzhe spotted his talent. Erdemutu has been vindicating the teacher's faith ever since, winning several national competitions, plus a scholarship to further study opera singing in Italy in 2002.

After returning from Italy in 2005, he joined the China Central Opera House and has performed a top-notch repertoire, including La Traviata, Madame Butterfly, Carmen and Turandot.

Erdemutu will sing half opera arias and half Mongolian songs and will be accompanied by German conductor Helge Dorsch and the China Central Opera House Orchestra. The concert will also feature guest tenor Liu Keqing and soprano Zhang Chunqing.

7:30 pm, Dec 2

National Center for the Performing Arts, West of Tian'anmen Square

6655-0000

(China Daily November 28, 2008)