Chen Gang

Full biography Chen Gang

Chen Gang is a renowned Chinese composer and conductor. He was born on December 10, 1935, in Shanghai, China, and he studied composition at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. He is known for his contributions to Chinese opera and vocal music.

One of his most famous works is the Chinese opera "The White-Haired Girl," which he co-wrote with He Zhanhao. The opera was first performed in 1945 and is based on a folk tale from the Shaanxi Province. It tells the story of a young girl who is forced into slavery by a cruel landlord. The opera became extremely popular in China and abroad, and it remains one of the most famous Chinese operas today.

Chen Gang's music often incorporates traditional Chinese instruments and melodies, but he also draws from Western classical music. In addition to his work in opera, he has composed a variety of vocal and instrumental works, including symphonies and chamber music.

Chen Gang has received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the National Outstanding Contribution Award in Music and the Golden Bell Award for Best Original Music. He has also served as a professor of music at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and has conducted orchestras in China and abroad.

Overall, Chen Gang is a highly respected figure in Chinese music and his work has had a significant impact on the development of Chinese music over the past several decades.