Composer's birth to be commemorated

A series of cultural activities is being staged from July 17 to 18, in Yuxi, Yunnan province, to mark the 100th anniversary of Nie Er's birth, the composer of the Chinese National Anthem. 

The activities include a concert tour, the release of albums and a singing competition.

Nie was born in Yuxi on Feb 15, 1912. He is known for composing the national anthem of the People's Republic of China, the March of the Volunteers.

On July 17, 1935, Nie drowned while swimming at Fujiwasa Beach in Japan. He was on his way to study in the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

The city government of Yuxi made July 17 a commemorative day for the composer.