The Soulful Ascent of Peixin Chen: From Inner Mongolia to Center Stage

The Bass Who Roamed Far from Home

When he was still just a boy from Inner Mongolia's windswept grasslands, Peixin Chen possessed a large voice and an equally large dream, though he didn't know it at the time. "I used to love singing as a kid," he remembers, "but never thought I'd be doing it for a living until I saw Carmen performed live in Beijing." That performance was the turning point. A friend pushed him onto the stage, saying he'd be a great Zuniga. The universe must have been listening—Chen was accepted into the elite Central Conservatory of Music that same year. From there, his bass-baritone career took flight, and he found himself in the Houston Grand Opera's top-of-the-line Young Artists Program from 2012 until 2015. Skip ahead a decade, and he's playing Colline in La Bohème, a role that speaks to both his voice and his heart. "Colline's goodbye to his coat is one of the opera's most poignant arias," he explains. It's not only the coat—it's love, memory, and letting go. He loves little things in life—books, food, friends—and that speaks to me."

‍

‍

From East to West—With Heart, Humility, and a Dictionary

Opera is a European tradition, but Chen infuses it with a very Asian sensibility based on quiet strength and profound cultural respect. "Having grown up in China, I was educated in modesty, discipline, and respect for tradition," he says. "That has affected the way I go about each role—I try to do justice to the composer's idea without over-simplifying." But the ride is not always smooth, particularly when you are going through arias in Italian, German, and French. "For Asian singers, language is a greater obstacle," he admits. We don't grow up hearing these sounds, so it takes longer and effort to master them." Despite this, however, with persistence and an exceptionally sensitive ear, Chen has made that deficiency a strength. And as for La Bohème, he's no stranger at all. Having sung it several times, he talks of it like a long-forgotten pal. "The moment Mimi dies? Sorrowful. Puccini knew how to shatter hearts with a single line.". Each time he does it, that scene again leaves him frozen. 

‍

‍

Curtain Calls, Camaraderie, and Chen's Playbook for the Next Generation

While singers who are their colleagues pursue the next job, Chen enjoys living in the present moment—especially if he gets to share that experience with a company of actors who bring laughs and respect to the rehearsal hall. "This is probably the most fun I've ever had working on a La Bohème," he exclaims. “There’s a real sense of family—some old friends, some new faces—but everyone’s in it together.” As for the road ahead, Chen keeps it simple: sing well, stay optimistic, and don’t let the vocal cords down. No over-the-top career manifestos here. “I’m just focused on doing each performance with heart and staying healthy.” For the aspiring opera stars tuning in, he offers this: “It’s a tough road, no doubt. But stay positive, care for your voice like it’s your most prized instrument—because it is—and only take on music you’re ready for. Opera is a marathon, not a sprint.” With a voice as deep as his roots and a mindset as grounded as his advice, Peixin Chen reminds us that even in a world of grand gestures and dramatic high notes, sincerity still steals the show.

‍

Don't miss Peixin Chen as Colline in Puccini's La Bohème at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Get ready for thrilling arias, poignant goodbyes, and a performance that will linger with you long after the last curtain call.

‍

Remember to subscribe to our newsletter – it’s where we’ll share all the exclusive details first.

For more exciting articles keep in touch and stay connected by following us on our socials Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn and we’ll make sure you’re updated!

‍

‍