Soprano Dilber Yunus plays the lead role in Visitors on the Snow Mountains. [Photo provided to China Daily]

When Dilber learned operatic singing after being admitted to the Xinjiang Song and Dance Troupe in 1976, China had no original Western-style opera then. But her exceptional voice allows her to express joy, sadness and anger in her singing without losing technical precision and balance.

Speaking about singers today, Dilber says: "Chinese students of vocal music and opera are different from my generation. They are now open to different singing styles.

"I have trained some Chinese students and participated in vocal music competitions. I am impressed that there so many young talents in China, but they need to stick to their individual characters."

Reflecting on her upcoming shows, she says: "During my life in Europe, I rarely returned to my hometown and I often dreamed about the white poplar trees there.

"I have achieved my goals as a soprano, and the most important thing for me now is to give back to my country."

If you go

7:30pm, April 8. Forbidden City Concert Hall, inside Zhongshan Park, west of Tian'anmen Square, Xicheng district, Beijing. 010-6559-8285.