Today we’d like to introduce you to Song Lyu.
Hi Song, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My musical journey began in China, where I studied voice at the Sichuan Conservatory of Music. Driven by a passion for classical singing, I moved to the United States to continue my study at the University of Kansas, earning a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Voice Performance. Since then, I have built a career as a performer, educator, and arts leader, appearing in opera, concert, and symphonic performances across the Midwest. In addition to teaching at the university level, I founded the International Chamber and Vocal Music Institute (ICVMI) to create performance and educational opportunities for musicians. Today, I remain committed to sharing music through performance, teaching, and community engagement.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
No, it has not always been a smooth road. As an Asian woman and an immigrant, building a career in the United States has come with unique challenges. Both the classical music field and the university teaching job market are highly competitive, and unstable immigration policies can create additional uncertainty along the way. Building and sustaining a nonprofit organization （ICVMI） has also been demanding—I have had to develop the team, shape its operating model, and manage collaborations, fundraising, partnerships, event planning, and artistic direction. At the same time, I have been closely involved in the hands-on execution of events, which has given me comprehensive, real-world experience across all aspects of production and organization.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work spans performance, teaching, and arts leadership. As a soprano, I specialize in opera, oratorio, sacred music, and concert repertoire, working across both classical masterworks and contemporary music in opera, symphonic, and recital settings.
Alongside performing, I teach voice at the university level and remain active in arts administration and mentorship. I am also the Young Artist Competition Chair of the St. Louis Area Music Teachers Association (SLAMTA), where I directed the 2026 SLAMTA Young Artist Competition. In addition, I have led the 2026 American Midwest Chamber and Vocal Music Competition and the St. Louis Asian Pacific Heritage Month Concert. In September 2026, ICVMI will also produce the Mid-Autumn Festival concert (a combined semi-academic and community concert) at UMKC in Kansas City.
What I am most proud of is building platforms that connect performance, teaching, and community engagement. Beyond performing on stage, I am often involved in the full artistic process behind the scenes—from planning and producing events to coordinating artists and shaping programs.
What I would like my work to reflect is a balance between stage performance, teaching, and directing work in the arts. Alongside performing as a soprano, I hope to continue teaching and also being involved in planning and supporting artistic projects and community-based initiatives, so I can engage with music from both an artistic and practical perspective.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success is not a fixed destination. It’s more about setting goals and fully committing to them. I always try to compete with myself—keep learning, improving, and pushing my limits along the way.
I also value staying resilient and forward-looking, and continuing to move steadily forward even through uncertainty and challenges.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.songlyu.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1TUTyZsNee/?mibextid=wwXIfr
