Xiaoyong Chen

Full biography Xiaoyong Chen

Xiaoyong Chen is a distinguished Chinese composer who was born on March 29, 1955, in the coastal city of Dalian in China. He is renowned for his unique blend of traditional Chinese music with western classical music styles, which has made him a standout composer in the contemporary classical music world.

Chen's early musical interests were in Peking Opera, and he initially studied the Erhu, a traditional Chinese stringed instrument. However, he later pursued study in western classical music at the China Central Conservatory of Music, where he was mentored by the renowned composer Wu Zuqiang.

Chen has composed extensively for both traditional Chinese instruments and western classical instruments. His music often incorporates traditional Chinese melodies that are reimagined with western orchestration. He is also known for his use of unconventional instrumentation, such as the use of water droplets in his composition "Ripples."

Chen's works have been performed and recorded internationally, and he has won numerous awards, including the National Prize of Arts for his piece "Erquan" in 2009. Other notable works include "In Praise of Love," "A Gu Qin Fragment," and "The Butterfly Lovers," a reimagining of a traditional Chinese folk tale.

Overall, Xiaoyong Chen has made significant contributions to both Chinese and international classical music, and his innovative approach to blending eastern and western musical styles has earned him a place among the most respected Chinese composers of his generation.