Hailed as a “vocal promise” by Opera News, Chinese mezzo-soprano Daiyao Zhong is quickly establishing herself as an artist at home in opera, art song, concert, and contemporary repertoire.

Born and raised in Guangzhou, China, Ms. Zhong discovered her love for singing at a young age and has been honing her craft ever since. Currently a Doctor of Musical Arts candidate in voice at the University of Michigan under the guidance of Freda Herseth, she also holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Voice from the Manhattan School of Music. In addition to her performing career, she is a columnist for Classical Singer magazine, where she shares insights with the wider vocal community.

Her repertoire spans a wide spectrum, showcasing her versatility on both domestic and international stages. Notable roles include Cherubino in Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro, Dorabella in Così fan tutte, Octavian in Strauss’s Der Rosenkavalier, Hänsel in Humperdinck’s Hänsel und Gretel, and L’Opinion publique in Offenbach’s Orphée aux enfers. As a young artist, she has trained with the Maryland Lyric Opera Young Artist Institute, iSING! International Young Artists Festival, and the International Vocal Arts Institute, earning critical acclaim for her performances.

In addition to her operatic work, Ms. Zhong is an accomplished concert soloist. She has appeared in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and Choral Fantasy, Bach’s Magnificat, Handel’s Messiah, Fauré’s Requiem, and Mozart’s Requiem, among others. She has also been featured in recitals and concerts across the United States and abroad.

Deeply committed to community engagement, she regularly participates in benefit concerts, using her artistry to give back and to make classical music accessible to broader audiences. With unwavering dedication, she continues to inspire the next generation of singers and to share the transformative power of her craft.