Martine Mardini, an international student from Lebanon at Shenyang Normal University, possesses a beautiful voice and is affectionately nicknamed the “Lark” by her classmates. On the occasion of the Liaoning Opera House’s Public Open Day, Martine Mardini made her way with joyful steps to this art institution she had long admired. At the entrance of the Liaoning Opera House, she took a photo and sent it to her sister in Beirut, who also shares a passion for music, with the caption: “I have finally arrived at the famous Chinese opera house.”

Inside the rehearsal hall of the opera house, Martine happened to encounter the renowned Russian conductor Anton Torbeev, who had been invited there to rehearse works by Tchaikovsky. Stepping into the auditorium, Martine joined Shenyang citizens in enjoying the majestic and powerful music of Tchaikovsky performed by the Liaoning Symphony Orchestra. In the rehearsal room next door, South Korean singers were engaged in an exchange and discussion with performers from the Liaoning Opera House. “Wow, the Liaoning Opera House is truly international!” Martine exclaimed. She recalled that a few years ago, the Liaoning Opera House had performed at the Cairo Opera House in Egypt, and her Egyptian friends raved about that performance.

Following the sound of a piano, Martine arrived at the opera rehearsal hall, where she finally met Liu Fangfei, a young vocalist with the Liaoning Opera House and a soprano whom Martine greatly admired. Martine showcased her signature piece, The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, in front of Ms. Liu, a performance that had been her standout act at campus galas. Ms. Liu deeply appreciated this foreign “Lark” for her exceptional talent and offered professional guidance on her vocal technique, explaining that scientific breath control contributes to a clearer, more powerful projection.

Happy moments always pass all too quickly. By the time Martine concluded her visit to the Liaoning Opera House, dusk had already settled. She reluctantly bid farewell to Ms. Liu, expressing her hope to return and learn more in the future. Reflecting on her impressions of this visit, Martine remarked, “The dedication of the artists here to their artistry is truly moving.”