Culture
19:16, 01-Sep-2017
Icon: Conductor Xu Zhong
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Conductor Xu Zhong is the first Asian artistic director of an Italian Opera House. He has gone from a pianist to a conductor to an artistic director, and is now the head director of the Shanghai Opera House.
Xu has been awarded the prestigious Order of Arts and Letters and is considered one of the most internationally renowned pianists and conductors in China.
Xu Zhong plays the piano. /CFP Photo
Xu Zhong plays the piano. /CFP Photo
Some of the most celebrated musicians who have successfully collaborated with Xu include Paul Badura-Skoda, Lazar Berman, Sergiu Commissiona and Philippe Entremont to name a few.
In an interview with CGTN, Xu spoke about how music opened its doors to him at a young age, as well as the ups and downs of studying in France as a kid.
Xu Zhong and CGTN anchor Ji Xiaojun pose for a picture during an interview in Shanghai. /CGTN photo
Xu Zhong and CGTN anchor Ji Xiaojun pose for a picture during an interview in Shanghai. /CGTN photo
He also shared with CGTN how he managed to cope with the drastic change of mentality as he was both the "winner" and "loser" at various international music awards.
Catch the full interview at 1730 BJT on September 2 on CGTN and CGTN.com to hear about Xu Zhong’s amazing life stories.