The Story of Tan Dun

Tan was born in 1957 in Hunan, China. After planting rice for two years during the Cultural Revolution, he was selected for the Central Conservatory in Beijing where he spent eight years. In 1986, a fellowship at Columbia University brought him to New York City where he completed the doctoral program in music composition. As a conductor and composer, Tan is known for programming distinctive and compelling 20th Century works. His recent appointment as Resident Composer/Conductor with BBC Scottish Symphony gives him a platform for this work. His renowned compositions include <Nine Songs>, <Paper Music>, <Ceramic Music>, <Marco Polo>, some orchestral music, chamber music and music for traditional instruments.