Chinese tenor Shi Yijie is no stranger to Beethoven's Symphony No 9. The Shanghai-born tenor graduated from the Toho College of Music in Tokyo and has performed with many Japanese orchestras and choirs, from the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra to the Tokyo Opera Singers.

"When I studied in Japan, I performed Beethoven's Symphony No 9 as a member of the choir of the Toho College of Music. Last year, I performed the piece again in Shanghai," says Shi. "Tokyo Opera Singers is one of the best choirs in Japan and they perform Beethoven's Symphony No 9 every year."

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