Soprano Junchan Zhao (Master of Music—Vocal Performance), originally from Guangdong

Province, China, embarked on her musical journey at the age of 12, delving into vocal, piano,

and dance studies. She honed her skills at the prestigious Xinghai Conservatory of Music in

South China. In 2003, her path led her to Brazil, where she ran an interior decoration business

in São Paulo for seven years. Simultaneously, she contributed to the Brazilian Oversea Chinese

Affairs Office of the State Council as a vocal teacher, performance judge, and organizing

committee member for multiple singing contests.

In 2019, she began her musical education at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), earning vocal

scholarships every semester. Since 2018, she has volunteered as a soprano soloist for the

Schola Cantorum of Florida. A highlight of 2020 was her participation in a masterclass led by

renowned American opera singer Grace Bumbry, who praised Junchan’s “beautiful high tones.”

Junchan’s talents have been widely recognized. In 2021, she clinched the first position in the

Adult Voice- Classical Tampa Semifinals of the Music International Grand Prix competition,

advancing to the finals. The same year, she was honored with the 2021 Certified Artist Award

by CS Music Recruiting and secured first place in the Baroque category at the Charleston

International Music Competition. Notably, she showcased her skills as the soprano soloist

during FAU’s Messiah concerts in 2021 and 2022.

Her achievements continued into 2023, as she reached the quarterfinals in the GRANDI VOCI

International Competition in Austria and won first place in both the Classical segment of the

Charleston International Music Competition and the NATS Gold Coast student auditions. During

the summer, Junchan also enriched her experiences by participating in the FAU Opera in Italy

program at the esteemed Giacomo Puccini Conservatory in La Spezia. In 2024, she won NATS

2024: Second Place Southeastern Region and qualified for the national round. After earning her

Master of Music degree, Junchan was accepted by Palm Beach Opera to perform Romeo et

Juliette and Le Nozze Di Figaro.