Despite being hailed as one of the best sopranos in the world, Cecilia Bartoli is ever obliging to her fans. Chen Jie catches up with the singer on what makes her tick and her future plans.

Early Tuesday evening, Wangfujing Street was as crowded as usual. In front of Sun Dong An Plaza, a group of young students was surrounding a petite dark brown-haired middle-aged lady and singing Happy Birthday. Casually dressed, she looked just like any other Western tourist, but her voice betrayed her.

She is Cecilia Bartoli, one of the best sopranos in the world today - some call her the Madonna of the opera world.