Excerpts from the press conference and local pre-event media publicity:

What special plans do you have in store for your Taiwanese fans?

I noticed that there are photos of (Luciano) Pavarotti and (José) Carreras hanging on the walls of my room (the presidential suite of Taichung’s Evergreen Laurel Hotel where Pavarotti and Carreras had stayed before) and I feel a lot of pressure because I’m not the first to perform in Taiwan. These two great artistes were before me. But I will set aside the pressure if you will forget about their performances. (Laughs heartily) I’m just joking ...

According to your set list, this will be a mainly classical repertoire. Do you enjoy performing opera more than pop songs?

Opera is my life. I started to know opera at age two and I’ve been listening to (Enrico) Caruso and Beniamino Gigli. It wasn’t until I was in Universal (Music) that I started to listen to pop music; and I was also performing at a local piano bar to earn some money and to meet girls. Classical music and pop music are two different fields, but opera will always be my first love and passion.

How do you maintain top form?

Being a singer is like being an athlete. You’re not allowed to smoke. You eat light meals and only healthy food and you need to sacrifice sex at some point. Basically, you need to have undying passion for what you do.

Who were your mentors?

The most precious thing in my life (sic) was to get to know Franco Corelli and Pavarotti. Corelli was my mentor, he taught me everything with heart. Interestingly, both he and I get stage fright (before performing). Going on stage still makes me nervous, but knowing my large audience is waiting for me out there ... they’re the main force of support for me.

You will be taking on the role of Don José in Bizet’s Carmen. How do you compare with Don José in real life?

Don José’s love for Carmen was way too strong and destructive. In real life, I am also very passionate about love and I’m very loyal and persistent (sic) with the one I love.

Source: Malaysia Star