Vocal students from East Lansing and China traveled between two continents this fall for an intense two-week experience involving cultural experiences and international performance.

Eight students from the MSU College of Music joined eight students from the China Conservatory of Music and the Peking University Academy of Opera to perform and learn about one another's music through the MSU-China Vocal Collaboration. MSU students and faculty traveled to China from October 13-20, then accompanied Chinese students and faculty to East Lansing from October 21-27. Four performances took place during this year's exchange, with two in China and two at MSU's Cook Recital Hall.

While the program acquaints students with the rigors of international performance and production, the program also provides significant cultural experiences. In China, MSU students climbed the Great Wall, visited the Forbidden City and the Summer Palace of the Emperor, and enjoyed Chinese cuisine. Chinese students visiting East Lansing went shopping at the Twelve Oaks Mall, attended jazz and opera rehearsals on campus, and were treated to American style gourmet meals made with Michigan agricultural products.

Richard Fracker, MSU professor of voice, and fellow Metropolitan Opera colleague Haijing Fu, started the MSU-China Vocal Collaboration in 2005.  Since then, nearly 75 MSU vocal students have enrolled in this non-credit immersion program that has brought an equal number of Chinese students, artists, and scholars to East Lansing.

MSU China Collaboration Photos