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Meet 2026 Distinguished Alumnus Wei Wu

Photo credit: Solomon Howard

The 91���Ҹ� 91���Ҹ� College of Music is thrilled to announce that�� (MM ’13) has been named our 2026 Distinguished Alumnus in recognition of his international career and contributions to the art of opera. For the Grammy Award-winning bass, his path to success includes embracing new music and a willingness to say yes to the unfamiliar.

New operas: A collaborative approach
Two moments define Wu’s career: The first is his participation in the��CU 91���Ҹ� New Opera Workshop (CU NOW)—the College of Music’s extended summer workshop, the first of its kind in a U.S. academic institution, where graduate voice students have direct interaction with living composers and librettists to develop and perform their music. The second was “The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs”—a contemporary opera written by composer Mason Bates and librettist Mark Campbell (Thtr ’75): Wu performed the role of Kōbun Chino Otogawa in the world premiere at Santa Fe Opera; the recording won a��.��

Wu’s ability to learn quickly and contribute to evolving works helped him stand out in young artist programs and build lasting relationships with creators. “CU NOW is where I started, and I’m really grateful for the opportunity,” says Wu. “And singing in ‘The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs’ premiere—and creating that role collaboratively—was the turning point in my career.

“I was surprised when we won the Grammy—but looking back, it makes sense. There’s growing recognition of the importance of new works in American opera.”

For Wu, who came to the United States from China in 2007,��that recognition carried particular weight, and the moment resonated far beyond the award itself. “You could count on one hand the number of Chinese artists who have won a Grammy—now I’m one of them,” he says. “It felt surreal—and also meaningful—to represent where I come from on an international stage.”

He adds, “A few days later, a friend texted me and said I was all over the media in China. It happened so fast. I was still processing everything.”

Despite the Grammy milestone, Wu remains grounded. “I’m a bass,” he says with a laugh. “I keep a low profile. I’m grateful for everything, and I’m always learning.”

Beyond talent
Over time, Wu came to understand the importance of preparation, persistence, and timing—beyond nurturing talent. “You work hard, and when the opportunity comes, you’re ready to take it,” he says.

For Wu, being ready is a daily discipline. As a non-native English speaker, he worked intensively on diction—an effort that paid off when Francesca Zambello, artistic director of the Washington National Opera, once singled him out as having the best English diction on stage.

As a member of one of the first cohorts of CU NOW, Wu also gained all-important, hands-on experience building opera from the ground up. These opportunities helped shape his identity, reflecting the college’s universal musician approach to achieving its mission—in Wu’s case, not only developing and emerging as technically strong, but also adaptable, curious and collaborative where “writers, composers and performing artists continuously exchange ideas.”

For Wu, the “The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs” felt like a natural extension of the collaborative mindset he developed at CU NOW, founded by Leigh Holman in 2010. Like the workshop itself, the opera was built through close collaboration among composers, librettists and performers—an environment in which Wu thrives. “Creating a role from the beginning, being part of that process, was incredibly meaningful,” he says. “Telling a story people already recognize—like Steve Jobs—helps them lean in. That kind of connection really resonates and it’s often what brings new audiences into the theater.”

Equally important, according to Wu, is sincerity and authenticity in performance. “If you don’t believe in yourself, how can you connect with the audience?” he says, further noting that the artists he admires most are “not only great performers, they’re also genuinely good people.”

As the world of opera evolves, Wu remains energized by its possibilities. He sees new works as essential to reaching broader audiences and mentorship as key to sustaining the art form. “I was lucky to find my mentors,” he says. “Now, I’m a mentor to young people.”

Advice for future artists
For students preparing to enter the field, Wu’s advice reflects both experience and perspective: “Open your mind to different genres, ideas and opportunities,” he says. “Embrace collaboration and be willing to grow beyond what feels comfortable.”

He also emphasizes resilience in a demanding profession. “Passion is essential through ups and downs. You have to love it.”

Congratulations on your well-earned distinction, Wei Wu!