Liu Wenjin

He was one of China's most distinguished and respected composer-conductors. A prolific composer, Liu wrote pieces spanning instrumental, vocal, choral and song-and-dance music. He also scored for more than a dozen television drama series. His instrumental works include 'Impressions of Taixing Mountain', 'Ambush from All Sides' and 'Jasmine' for Chinese orchestra. During his younger years, Liu excelled in his academic studies and received the most outstanding student award. During this period, he also composed his first two erhu works, 'Ballad of North Henan Province' and 'The Sanmen Gorge Capriccio', which were sister pieces combining both the erhu and piano. In 1993, the 'Ballad of North Henan Province' was chosen as "20th century's classic Chinese music". In 1999, 'The Sanmen Gorge Capriccio' was chosen into the album of "stage craft of new China and master works of movies and TV art". In May 1982 at the Shanghai Spring concert, the debut of his erhu concerto, 'The Great Wall Capriccio' achieved resounding success and was hailed as a milestone in contemporary erhu composition even till today. For over 40 years, Liu visited many countries to attend interviews, give lectures and serve as guest conductor in many different orchestras. He was widely recognised for his outstanding contribution to the promotion of Chinese classical music and international cultural exchange. Liu died in Beijing on 27 June 2013.

• Name — Liu Wenjin • Native Name — 刘文金 • Born — May • Birthplace — Tangshan, Hebei Province, China • Died — 27 June (aged 76) • Place of death — Beijing, People's Republic of China • Occupation — composer • Known for — classical Chinese music • Notable Works — Ballad of North Henan Province, Sanmenxia Changxiangqu ("Sanmen Gorge Rhapsody")