US opera singer Thomas Hampson talks with Zhang Xianping during a seminar at the conservatory.

Thomas Hampson, a celebrated American lyric baritone and a board director of the Manhattan School of Music, visited the Shanghai Conservatory of Music for a seminar on March 10, 2016.

Hampson, who is also on the MSM artistic advisory board, talked with Zhang Xianping, vice president of the conservatory, Ge Yi, associate dean of the Vocal Opera Department, and students during the seminar.

It was his first visit to Shanghai and he performed in a concert with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra.

Though he had a busy schedule, Hampson found time to visit the SHCM which has long-term friendly relationship with the Manhattan School of Music.

Hampson shared his teaching and stage experiences with SHCM faculties and students and answered their questions.

He received the Lotte Lehmann Award when he was a student of the Music Academy of the West in California. He played the role of Guglielmo in “Così fan tutte” at the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis in 1982, which gave him a lot of exposure as one of the best baritones in the United States.