This is the ninth in a series of interviews with the next generation of classical musicians ― ED.
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
A tall, broad-shouldered man takes center stage and delivers an operatic aria in an angelic, ``womanly'' voice. He is a countertenor, a falsetto vocalist that sings in the range of a female contralto or mezzo-soprano.
``People clearly see a man standing up there and it's shocking to hear a woman's voice. But I'm creating a fantasy for them, and people wonder how my real (speaking) voice sounds,'' countertenor David Dong Qyu Lee told The Korea Times, speaking in a smooth, masculine voice.
The 30-year-old was in Seoul earlier this month for his first recital here in two years. The concert at the LG Arts Center was packed, and the highlight ― other than his stellar performances ― was when he finally spoke to the audience toward the end of the show. ``Yes, everyone, I sound like a normal man,'' he said, drawing much laughter.
``I also stick out more because I look like this and sound like that, and with my funny name as well ― `oh that countertenor with the Q in his name,''' he said, speaking in fluent English and Korean. Like his voice, the Korean-Canadian seems to defy stereotypes and boundaries, with his signature blonde highlights and stubble beard.
``There's of course less competition. Being a rare species, I'm privileged to have a better job and start out with principal roles,'' he said. At once humble and confident, Lee said he was fortunate to be where he is now. But it's quality rather than (rare) quantity that enabled him to get where he stands.
Lee has a splendid voice combined with meticulous technique and natural musicality ― as if he was born to sing ``Ave Maria.'' He has a powerful, charismatic stage presence and a way with the crowd.
``If David Dong Qyu Lee fails to become an internationally celebrated singer in the next century, then God is definitely not in his heaven, and all is not right with the world,'' once said music critic Douglas Hughes.
Lee is considered a whiff of fresh air to classic opera. While countertenors are usually limited to Baroque music, Lee defies boundaries and covers an expansive repertoire from classical to jazz and pop. ``Even Baroque music can be modern,'' he said.
``Classical music is changing. When we go to competitions, they tend to pick the whole package ― how beautiful you are, how well you present yourself and how beautiful your voice is,'' he said.