Yan Baoling (1924-1966), dubbed "Gulangyu's nightingale", was the first soprano coloratura from Xiamen, Fujian province, to make her debut at the Lyceum Theatre in Shanghai when she sang there in 1954.

Yan was appointed to take charge of the Young Women's Christian Association in Xiamen in 1956 and was involved in organizing the Gulangyu Chorus in 1958.

Born on the coastal island of Gulangyu, which enjoyed the reputation of being the "homeland of music", Yan took part in rehearsals for a choir when she was only 10 years old.

After receiving professional instructions from renowned music masters from the United States, Russia and the United Kingdom, the young soprano coloratura showed her talents in music and the message spread around the island quickly.

The talented young singer was twice selected as a solo soprano coloratura and stepped on the stage at the Lyceum Theatre in Shanghai in 1954.

She came back to Xiamen for the sake of her children in 1955 and engaged in her music career and undertook public welfare work.

A record player plays Yan Baoling's songs for Gulangyu Island. [Photo/taihainet.com]