YI LI
TENOR
BIOGRAPHY
Proving himself a formidable talent and a rising star to watch in the opera world, Tenor Yi Li is quickly gaining attention across the globe. Recently, Li débuted the role of Cheng Quing in Meredith Monk’s ATLAS with the Los Angeles Philharmonic and moved into bigger repertoire – débuting the role of Dick Johnson in La fanciulla del West in Maryland Lyric Opera’s inaugural season. Mr. Li subsequently returned there as Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor and Turridu/Luigi in Il tabarro/Cavalleria rusticana, as well as The Metropolitan Opera as the Young Lover in Il tabarro.
Last season, Li returned to Maryland Lyric Opera as Fenton in Falstaff and Cassio in Otello, performed as a soloist in Tan Dun’s Buddha Passion with the Seattle Symphony, rejoined the China Now Music Festival in partnership with Bard College, sing Handel’s Messiah with the Naples Philharmonic, and Luigi in Il tabarro with On Site Opera. This season’s engagements include Canio in Pagliacci a return to the role of Rodolfo in La bohème with Hawaii Opera Theatre, as well as a reprisal of Buddha Passion with the National Academy of Saint Cecilia in Rome. [read more...]
CRITICAL ACCLAIM
"...delicate and tender...” – The Blade
The Pearl Fishers – “Li’s second act sotto voce work in the upper tessitura was delicate and tender”
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"...standout..." – Bachtrack
Monk'sAtlas – "Yi Li was another standout as the endearing traveller Cheng..."
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"...smooth and ringing..." – New York Classical Review
Paradise Interrupted – “Yi Li’s tenor was smooth and ringing as the Lover.”
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"...bright, tenor..." – Schmopera
Don Giovanni – "I actually did quite enjoy Yi Li singing Don Ottavio’s Act Two aria, “Il mio tesoro”. His voice is an exciting mix of bright, tenor placement with baritone heft..."