Maestro fulfilling dream of homeland

During the 2014-15 season at La Scala opera house in Milan, a Chinese-born conductor won over the pickiest of audiences with his precise pacing and incredible vigor while interpreting Rossini's Otello. Now, the first Chinese-born conductor to have conducted opera at the mecca of opera houses is pouring his passion for classical music into his homeland.

The Milan performance has not been the only highlight for Muhai Tang, 66, who built an overseas career over more than three decades. In 1983, at age 34, he became the first Chinese to conduct the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. He later became a naturalized German citizen.

He began his tutelage under world famous maestros like Herbert von Karajan, Leonard Bernstein and Seiji Ozawa after von Karajan invited him to conduct the Berlin Philharmonic. Prior to that, he had studied conducting at the University of Music and Performing Arts Munich. His electrifying work in Berlin led to repeat appearances and also invitations from many of the world's leading orchestras.