The Two Counter-Tenors

Chinese singing sensation Xiao Ma teams up with young New Zealand talent Stephen Diaz and pianist Gao Ping to present a varied programme of music for counter-tenor voices.

This concert celebrates 40 years of New Zealand–Chinese diplomatic relations. It is supported by the Chinese Embassy, Confucius Institute, and Chinese Ministry of Culture.

Xiao Ma:
Xiao Ma is China’s first counter-tenor. His exceptional vocal talents were discovered by the international Chinese opera star Dong-Jian Gong. Xiao Ma sealed his reputation with his debut as Cherubino in Shanghai Opera’s production of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. Xiao Ma’s bel canto repertoire includes arias from Rossini, Vivaldi, and Handel. This is his first visit to the southern hemisphere.

Stephen Diaz
Stephen Diaz is a counter-tenor who is completing his vocal studies at Auckland University. He has sung with the Handel Consort and Quire, Opera Factory, South Auckland Choral Society, and The NBR New Zealand Opera. Stephen was recently appointed an NBR New Zealand Opera PricewaterhouseCoopers Dame Malvina Major Emerging Artist.

Gao Ping
Gao Ping is an internationally acclaimed pianist and composer. In 2008, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra gave the world premiere of his piano concerto. In New Zealand, his music has been performed by Michael Houstoun, the New Zealand String Quartet, and NZTrio. Since 2004, Gao Ping has been a lecturer in composition at Canterbury University’s School of Music.