Heidi Li, 32, can sing in 15 different Italian dialects, and will incorporate Cantonese opera into her music aimed at sparking cultural exchange
The joy of rediscovering love in a foreign land steeped in art and history cannot be captured in words alone.
That is why Hong Kong jazz singer and songwriter Heidi Li intends to let music do the talking, singing in English and Cantonese, as well as in various Italian dialects, as she tells her story of enlightenment while reminiscing love lost and found in the European country.
Through her multilingual version of a “belt and road” journey, Li, 32, hopes to inspire Chinese audiences as she takes the stage at Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre on 12 February in an event organised by the Italian consulate.
Her performance is the culmination of an eight-year stint in Italy, which opened up a world of musical possibilities for the singer.
The revelation transformed Li from an amateur Cantonese opera singer during her teenage days into a dedicated jazz artist who engineered her own “Heidi sings in all Italian dialects” project, taking it throughout Italy and performing in front of amazed residents.
“Italy is my home now. I want to bring this project as a live show to audiences in Hong Kong and China. Through music I want to show them the beauty, passion and diversity of Italy as well as to promote cultural exchanges between the two sides,” she said.
Li’s Hong Kong performance is on the tail end of a music tour which kicked off on Sunday, taking her through Guangzhou, Zhuhai and Macau. She will present her full repertoire, consisting mainly of folk songs in various Italian dialects, infused with jazz and given a Cantonese opera twist.
“My music will also be mixed with some Cantonese opera elements to recapture the flavour of its unique vocal styles as I want to preserve Hong Kong’s musical heritage,” she said.
