Music
Finding truth, telling stories, and connecting hearts through music.
Music has been a constant in Richard’s life—a source of discipline, curiosity, and expression. As a classical bass-baritone, he has spent years developing his voice through the study of art song, opera, and vocal performance, learning not only how to sing, but how to inhabit the language, character, and emotion behind a piece.
His musical journey has taken him from lessons and competitions to mentorships, collaborative performances, and increasingly ambitious stages. Along the way, he has worked with teachers and professional musicians who have challenged him to listen more closely, communicate more honestly, and approach performance with both technical discipline and artistic imagination.
For Richard, music is ultimately a form of storytelling. Whether performing an art song, stepping into an operatic character, or sharing music with a community audience, he is drawn to the possibility that a voice can make a story feel immediate—and create a moment of connection between performer and listener.
Musical Highlights
American Protégé
International Vocal Competition
Judges’ Distinction & 1st Place
(Jun 2025)
Richard’s development as a vocalist is grounded in dedicated training and the guidance of accomplished teachers and professional organizations.
• BUTI Young Artists Vocal Program (YAVP)
Boston University Tanglewood Institute, Lenox, MA · Jul–Aug 2025
• Vancouver Opera — Opera Experience Mentorship Program
One of 10 high school students selected for the year-long program · Oct 2025– Sep 2026
• Private Vocal Instruction
• Steven Chen Wang, Vancouver · Feb 2024–Present
• Hong Luo, Beijing (Online Instruction) · Dec 2024–Present
• Prof. Robyn Driedger-Klassen, Vancouver · Jun–Oct 2025
Training in opera, art song, German Lieder, diction, musicianship, and bel canto vocal technique.
International Vocal Recognition
🏅
Canadian Music Competition
National Finalist · Voice
BC Provincial Second Prize
(May 2025)
Training & Mentorship
National-Level Competition
🎙️
Private Classical Voice Training
BUTI Young Artists Vocal Program at Tanglewood Vancouver Opera Mentorship & Opera Experience
Aubade with Joy Solo Charity Concert
Chan Centre for the Performing Arts at UBC, Vancouver · October 2026
Classical Bass-Baritone
🥇
🎹
Piano · RCM Level 8
Tuba / Trombone / Euphonium
Band & Choral Experience
Multi-Instrumental Musicianship
Selected Performances
Boston University Tanglewood Institute
Young Artists Vocal Program Solo & Choral Performances Lenox, MA · August 2025
American Protégé Winners Recital
Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York · December 2024
Canadian Music Competition — BC Provincial Winners’ Recital
VSO School of Music, Vancouver · June 2025
Selected Awards & Distinctions
2025 American Protégé International Vocal Competition Judges’ Distinction Award
One of Six Recipients Worldwide First Prize — Opera Aria
First Prize — Classical Repertoire
First Prize — Folk/Traditional Repertoire
🏅
2025 Canadian Music Competition
National Finalist — Voice BC Provincial Second Prize — Voice
⭐
2025 US-Canadian International Music Competition
Classical Voice Gold Award
🏆
♕
2025
National Youth Artistic Talent Competition
China Central Television Film & Media Center
First Prize — Canada Teenage Group, Vocal Division
✦
2025 Outstanding Young Ambassadors in Arts & Performance Award
Vancouver General Hospital & UBC Hospital Foundation Second Runner-Up
Selected Repertoire
2025 American Protégé International Vocal Competition Judges’ Distinction Award
One of Six Recipients Worldwide First Prize — Opera Aria
First Prize — Classical Repertoire
First Prize — Folk/Traditional Repertoire
🏅
2025 Canadian Music Competition
National Finalist — Voice BC Provincial Second Prize — Voice
⭐
2025 US-Canadian International Music Competition
Classical Voice Gold Award
🏆
♕
2025
National Youth Artistic Talent Competition
China Central Television Film & Media Center
First Prize — Canada Teenage Group, Vocal Division
✦
2025 Outstanding Young Ambassadors in Arts & Performance Award
Vancouver General Hospital & UBC Hospital Foundation Second Runner-Up