By: Felicia Guo 

Soprano Yaqi Yang, known professionally as Giovanna, has enchanted audiences with her radiant and expressive voice. Based in New York City, Yang’s operatic journey reflects a deep connection to the classical tradition, which she honors through her stage name. Adopting “Giovanna,” an Italian name, symbolizes her immersion into the rich heritage of Italian opera, one of the art form’s foundational languages. “Names like Giovanna resonate with opera’s tradition and represent my dedication to fully embrace its spirit,” she explains.

Photo Courtesy: Yaqi Yang | Soprano Dr. Yaqi Yang

Dr. Yang recently completed her Doctorate of Musical Arts in voice performance from the prestigious Frost School of Music at the University of Miami. Her academic journey further enriches her career as a classical singer, one that has seen her grace prominent stages across the United States. She has performed with renowned opera companies, including Florida Grand Opera and Music on Site, Inc., in a wide range of leading roles.

One of her career highlights was starring in the world premiere of “The Leopard,” an opera whose album was released by Naxos Records. The work is now under consideration for a 2025 Grammy nomination. Reflecting on this significant milestone, Yang shared, “To be part of a world premiere is a once-in-a-lifetime honor. To give life to a new role, knowing that you’re the first voice an audience will ever associate with it, is incredibly rewarding.” Her performance in “The Leopard” drew high praise from critics, with OperaWire describing her as “exceedingly charming” with a “soaring soprano” that brought both energy and clarity to her portrayal. The European Conservative called her “a soprano who deserves to be heard,” noting her compelling portrayal of Angelica in the opera.

Yang’s repertoire spans a range of iconic roles, including Lucy in “The Telephone,” Zerlina in “Don Giovanni,” Pamina in “Die Zauberflöte,” Frasquita in “Carmen,” Miles in “The Turn of the Screw,” Norina in “Don Pasquale,” and Susanna in Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro,” among others. Her portrayal of Angelica in “The Leopard” was especially well received, with the South Florida Classical Review noting that she displayed a “larger-than-life stage persona” and “gleaming high register” in her performance. This versatility and commitment to her craft have made her a sought-after soprano in both operatic and concert settings.

 Yang’s career extends beyond the opera stage. She is an active recitalist, performing across the U.S. in venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kimmel Center. Notably, she sang as the soprano soloist in Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana” with the Frost Symphony Orchestra in 2022, an experience that allowed her to showcase her powerful yet nuanced voice in concert repertoire.

Her list of accolades reflects her extraordinary talent and dedication. Among her recent achievements are First Prize at the London Classical Music Competition, Gold Prize at the German Euterpe Awards, and Third Prize at the London International Music Competition. Additionally, she placed Second in the American Music Talent Competition and the NATS Florida Gold Coast Chapter competition, with her consistent success underscoring her position as a rising star in the classical music world.

Photo Courtesy: Yaqi Yang | Yaqi Yang (Third from Left) Performs Frasquita in Carmen

Despite her impressive performance career, Yang is equally passionate about vocal education. She has been teaching for nearly a decade, running private vocal studios in New York City, Miami, Philadelphia, and Beijing. “Teaching is a way of passing on the gift of music,” she says. “I strive to guide my students to discover their own voices, not just technically but emotionally. It’s about helping them find their unique expression and to trust their abilities.” Her comprehensive teaching philosophy emphasizes vocal pedagogy, enabling students to develop a deep awareness of their vocal instruments and proper technique. She values critical thinking and open communication in lessons, encouraging students to engage actively in their learning process.

Yang’s teaching experience is as expansive as her performance career. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in music education and has studied Kodály music education and vocal pedagogy at the Liszt Academy of Music in Hungary. This academic background allows her to bring a unique, well-rounded perspective to her students. Many of her students have been accepted into prestigious voice programs at institutions like the Manhattan School of Music, New England Conservatory, USC, UCLA, and NYU. Dr. Yang is also proficient in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), ensuring that her students sing with linguistic accuracy in Italian, German, French, and English repertoire.

Photo Courtesy: Yaqi Yang | Yaqi Yang Performs at Carnegie Hall

Yaqi Yang Performs at Carnegie Hall 

As Yang reflects on her journey, she remains dedicated to her dual role as both a performer and an educator. “As a soprano, my goal is to give voice to stories that transcend language and time. Opera allows me to connect deeply with my audience, evoking emotions that are universal. My dream is to continue exploring roles that challenge and inspire me while contributing to the evolution of the art form.”

For Yaqi Yang, the future promises continued growth on the stage and in the classroom. Her luminous voice, passion for storytelling, and commitment to passing on her craft ensure that she will remain a vital force in the world of classical music for years to come.

Published by: Holy Minoza