In China's contemporary music scene, Sa Dingding is known for her unique voice and rendition of the country's ethnic music tradition. Recently, the singer delighted many of her fans by staging a musical production in the city of Xi'an. The story set in the future explores the themes of love and wisdom, against a rich and varied musical landscape. 

In the one-of-a-kind musical "My Young Partners" – the past, present and future – come together in a story especially crafted for children. Its emphasis on friendship and family values is touchingly conveyed through a score created by Sa Dingding. 

Apart from producing the music and writing most of the songs, Sa Dingding also wore the hats of the creator, director and art director for the two-hour production. In her first foray onto the musical stage, the renowned singer was meticulous about every aspect of the show. Her attention has benefited the production immensely, from costume design to dialogue delivery. 

"The theater is the most challenging arena because there is no second chance. You have to get it right the first time. I consider it a litmus test for my music. You know, to put it in a dramatic context and see how it performs, so I paid close attention to every single detail. Each rehearsal means a great deal to me," Sa said.

First gaining nationwide fame at a singing competition in 2000, Sa Dingding soon acquired a wide following for her distinctive voice. With both Mongolian and Han Chinese family heritage, she boasts a remarkable facility in blending China's ethnic music with modern elements. In the early 2010s, her appearance at the CCTV Spring Festival Gala further cemented her standing on China's music scene. 

"In the arrangement for the song, there's only one traditional musical instrument, the stringed Guzheng. Apart from that, all sounds came out of digital synthesizers. MIDI and digital music were all invented in the West. But we've found a distinctive Chinese approach to use them. Actually, the integration went quite well. It's very effective in conveying the Chinese spirit," Sa Dingding said.

It was not long before her talents received a broader recognition. In 2008, Sa was honored as the best Asian musician at the BBC's World Music Awards. And the BBC's live broadcast of her concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London won high acclaims among music lovers the world over. The following year, her album "Growth of Everything" was shortlisted for the Grammys.

While most music critics praise her use of digital instrumentation and her innovative vocal interpretations, Sa has always prioritized emotions in her work.

"Whatever the costumes, staging, and presentation may look like, the ultimate purpose is to express the feelings. That's the job of a musician," Sa Dingding said.

In creating the musical "My Young Partners," Sa aims to bring her music to a new level of integration with the Chinese culture. The story began as a young protagonist travels back over two thousand years to the time when the Chinese civilization first flowered. 

"In certain pieces of ancient Chinese literature, civilization is defined as the depth of emotions. The narratives of love, care, and hope have their roots in people's feelings. That's how humanity understands peace and kindness. Such a historical perspective is very essential in understanding Chinese civilization and our spiritual inheritance," the singer said.

Sa is no stranger to the dramatic art. In recent years, she has produced a number of well-received scores for TV dramas. The singer has found it exhilarating to get in touch with a new audience. And her exposure to acting, in turn, widened her scope as a musician. 

"When I worked as a singer, I used to stress self-expression and explore all kinds of whims and ideas, but when I took part in producing scores for TV dramas, I recognized the necessity to gear the music toward the emotional structure. I even took on a role in a TV drama in order to get a feel of its spirit," she said, "That's how I learned more about interactions between music and drama. The mastery of rhythm and pacing is the most important in reaching the hearts and minds of the audience."