The 2023 Ningbo International Vocal Competition commences with a grand opening ceremony at the Ningbo Grand Theater on the evening of Dec 3. [Photo/Ningbo Evening News]

The 2023 Ningbo International Vocal Competition commenced with a grand opening ceremony at the Ningbo Grand Theater on the evening of Dec 3.

Yu Feng, president of the Central Conservatory of Music, and Tang Feifan, mayor of Ningbo, delivered insightful speeches at the inauguration.

During his address, Yu Feng highlighted the fact that music serves as a universal language and a valuable art form, transcending national boundaries, race, and time. He emphasized the way music education enriches people's spiritual lives, saying it is a crucial artistic practice.

Tang Feifan expressed his belief that the competition represents a fantastic opportunity to showcase Ningbo's charm and to use music as a conduit for conveying China's voice to the world.

The Ningbo International Vocal Competition, jointly organized by the Central Conservatory of Music and the Ningbo Municipal People's Government, holds the distinction of being China's sole vocal competition recognized by the World Federation of Music Competitions.

The competition has been closely associated with Ningbo for the past 18 years, ever since its inaugural edition in 2005. This year's competition has broken records, with 417 participants hailing from 43 countries and regions across five continents. Following the preliminary selections, a total of 49 contestants will vie for the championship throughout the nine-day final competition.