Master of music fusion eyes Sichuan opera

Nearly 30 years ago, when pianist Gao Ping studied at the Sichuan Conservatory in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, he was often attracted by the sounds from the Sichuan Opera School, which was located nearby.

"I could hear the folk instruments of Sichuan opera, like gongs and drums, as well as the high-pitched singing, through the window when I practiced works of Beethoven and Mozart at the conservatory," recalls Gao, 44.

The memory lingered in his mind and unconsciously influenced Gao, who worked and studied in the United States and New Zealand from 1990 until two years ago.