Athrilling gig by Beyond at the Workers' Stadium two weeks ago has launched a round of pop concerts in the nation's capital.

In the coming autumn cool, local fans from teenagers to middled-aged couples will have to make a decision. Will it be Jeff Chang, Chao Chuan, Jay Chou or Emil Chau Wakin?

One suggestion is that, if you are in love, have ever been in love or are simply fascinated by sentimental melodies, you should get along to the Workers' Stadium tomorrow evening to listen to Chang.

Taiwan-born Chang burst on to the Chinese mainland pop scene in the late 1990s, although he has been working in the industry for about 14 years since the release of his debut album in 1989.

Chang has a very unique high-pitched voice, which allows him to scale high notes effortlessly. In his song "Missed You, Missed Love," his voice is so high it matches, and even surpasses, the pitch of female vocalists.

His voice is crisp and his diction excellent. Since there are so few male pop singers around who can reach the highs like Chang, it has become his trump card.

Famous for sentimental love songs such as "Tolerance," "My Eyes Adored You," "Somewhere in My Broken Heart" and "The Color of Night," Chang delivers with feeling. So much so that the media has dubbed him the "Prince of Love Ballads."

Since 1996, many of his hit songs have topped the charts on the Chinese mainland, in Taiwan and Hong Kong as well as in Southeast Asian countries.

In 1998 and 2001, Chang held two sold-out concerts in Beijing, which have remained among the best memories for many a local music fan.

Now, the 36-year-old veteran singer is back. And this time he's brought a couple of friends -- singers Sky Wu and Harlem Yu from Taiwan.

Both stars in their own right, Wu and Yu will belt out their signature hits "Special Love for Special You" and "Are You Happy?"

Unlike the usual pop gigs, the concert will also feature an orchestra conducted by Nick Smith from the United States.

In an atmosphere of classical music, Chang will also show his ability to play the violin, which he learned as a boy.

(China Daily September 4, 2003)