Ramin Karimloo never arrives in China the same way twice. Each visit, he says, feels like stepping into a new chapter, shaped by fresh collaborators, new perspectives, and his own growth as an artist.

A Canadian actor and singer celebrated for his performances on the West End and Broadway, Karimloo has long been regarded as one of the most compelling voices in musical theater. His credits range from "The Phantom of the Opera" to "Les Misérables" – roles that have defined modern stage history and cemented his global reputation.

In early September, he returned to China with "The Reunion" concerts, staged for the third time at Beijing's Tianqiao Performing Arts Center. For Karimloo, the production is constantly evolving. With each new cast and his own personal growth, the concerts offer audiences something fresh. He believes the true highlights are not for him to define, but for audiences to discover.

Music as a cultural bridge

Karimloo sees performance as a powerful way to bridge cultures. While "The Reunion" currently features a Western cast, his vision is to one day see Chinese and Western performers share the stage.

What matters most to him is authenticity – being able to speak truthfully to an audience, regardless of language. That, he believes, is what allows music to transcend borders.

Many Chinese fans first encountered Karimloo through his portrayal of the Phantom in "The Phantom of the Opera," the musical that also sparked his own career in theater. He feels honored that the role has introduced him to audiences in China and, in his words, helped "open doors and bridge some East and West gaps."

Now, he is eager to take that exchange further by working directly with Chinese artists. For him, returning to China always comes with a responsibility to bring something new.

Finding inspiration in everyday China

What strikes him most deeply about his visits is not only the performance halls but also the everyday life he witnesses beyond. In the parks of China, he has been captivated by groups of people dancing and singing karaoke, and by the sight of an elderly woman offering haircuts from the back of a van.

These moments, he says, embody a sense of community and care that feels rare elsewhere, and they remind him of what art itself should foster: empathy, connection, and respect for different experiences.

Challenges and future plans

Despite global acclaim, Karimloo admits his career has not been without moments of doubt. A few times each year, he questions whether he has already given his best.

What propels him forward is the support of his family and friends, who remind him of the joy and growth that still lie ahead. He believes that discomfort is an essential part of becoming better: if everything feels easy, he says, then growth is not happening.

Looking ahead, China remains central to his plans. He hopes to bring a full-scale production, perhaps with a cast made up equally of Chinese and international performers, to explore how different traditions and approaches can enrich the stage.

For him, the goal is not simply to perform and leave, but to create lasting relationships and foster a deeper cultural exchange.

"China is so big and there's so much to explore," Karimloo reflects. "I still feel like it's my first time."

Executive producer: Zhang Jingwen

Producer: Yang Sha

Director: Guo Meiping

Cinematographer: Leng Junpeng

Cover image designer: Yu Peng