NEW YORK, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Song Song, an associate professor of vocal music from Shanghai Theatre Academy, presented her solo recital at Carnegie Hall in New York on Wednesday evening.

A senior visiting scholar at New York University, Song presented the 300-strong audience with nearly 20 pieces from China and the West, including I Love You, China, by Zheng Qiufeng; Widmung by Schumann; and other pieces.

Titled "Song of A Midsummer Night," the event also celebrated the 40th anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic relations, the 70th anniversary of the founding of People's Republic of China.

Nigel Smith, baritone soloist with Israel Camerata Jerusalem and Li Taicheng, a gifted young tenor, were invited to join Song for a few pieces. Nicholas Hrynyk, who works at New York University and Kaufman Music Center, played piano for a solo recital.

Song exemplifies a tradition of Shanghai Theater Academy which asks its professors to give frequent performances.

"There are various ways of singing a song." Song said "If only you like music and are devoted to it, the audience can appreciate your work."

Song earned her master's degree at Gnessin State Musical College in Russia and has performed on multiple occasions in New York.