Bass-baritone sensation Sir Bryn Terfel returned to Shanghai following his much-acclaimed 2024 recital, this time making his house debut at the Shanghai Grand Theatre.
Joined by conductor Gianluca Marcianò, the Shanghai Opera House Orchestra, and soprano Liu Yi, Sir Bryn performed a colourful selection of opera arias, musical numbers, and cabaret songs.
He opened the gala with two devilish arias by Boito and Gounod, both portraying Mephistopheles.
The Welsh singer cast his spell over the audience with commanding presence and easy charm. In a moment of humour and spontaneity, he juggled three bottles of milk, products of the China Shanghai International Arts Festival’s main sponsor, of which the gala was a featured programme, and took a hearty sip during the duet from L’elisir d’amore with Liu Yi.
Frequently praising the milk for being “good for the voice,” he delighted the audience with his wit, warmth, and pleased the patrons with his uncanny showmanship.
Footage filmed on 26 October 2025 at the Shanghai Grand Theatre.
