Berwick’s own international opera singing superstar ShuCheen Yu. By Cam Scott
SHE has sung in the finest venues Europe, America and Australia have to offer, yet a humble performance at a Casey community theatre gives her just as much joy.
Meet Berwick’s own international soprano superstar, ShuCheen Yu.
Before she arrived in Australia in 1987, ShuCheen had already made her mark on television, in film and as an opera singer in China.
A strong work ethic and her enormous talent has since seen her win 12 major national and international titles including the London Royal Opera House Covent Garden Scholarship Award and work with Opera Australia in Sydney for six years.
She has released three topselling classic albums in Australia, with her 2001 release Lotus Moon receiving an Aria Award nomination.
Now, in her 40s, in the prime of her singing career and married to the man doubling as her Melbourne agent Kelvin Gough, ShuCheen is more than happy to call Berwick home.
“I’m a very proud Aussie,” she said.
“We’re very lucky in Australia and I love Berwick. I like it here because I think I could contribute culture wise by teaching and by sharing my experiences with youngsters.”
Despite having stood on stage in front of world leaders and crowds of thousands at events such as Carols at the Domain, ShuCheen demonstrated her passion for performing at the local level when she graced the Cranbourne Community Theatre earlier this month.
“I could never be too precious to not perform at a smaller venue,” she said.
“That’s part of my little contribution back to my community. It would be a shame if I live here, if I didn’t perform for my own community.”
And she hopes to keep contributing through performing and teaching for at least the next 20 years, passing on to others the vital character building lessons that singing and music has taught her.
“I will continue to perform as long as I believe I am doing what I am doing well. Then I’ll move on to something else,” she said.
