Yang Jionghan inks Peermusic deal

French countertenor singer rehearses at National Grand Theater

New sounds for ancient instrument

Yang, who was born in Shandong province, studied piano since childhood and graduated from the China Conservatory of Music, majoring in opera performance and bel canto. He has been writing music for TV series and movies, including Dwelling Narrowness and The Stolen Years.

"I am really honored to join such an established company. To be honest, I had never heard the company's name before I got this opportunity. When I Googled it, I was surprised to see names, such as Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd and David Foster, which are on the company's artist list. I grew up with those timeless songs," Yang says.

Mok, the former managing director of Sony Music Company in China, has worked closely with Peermusic for many years. When he got Yang's demo in 2006, he was amazed by his songwriting, "which is skillful and full of his own attitude".

"He also has a good control of his voice, from low to high pitches," Mok says.

Having discovered stars like Karen Mok (no relation), the veteran is confident about his choice.

When he met Karen Mok 20 years ago, she had neither an outstanding beautiful look nor a high-pitched voice.

"But I knew that she would shine someday because she is unique and has her own attitude," Leslie Mok says. "I have the same faith in Yang."