Jianping Tang, born on May 16, 1955, is a distinguished composer and professor at the Central Conservatory of Music in China. He is recognized as the first Chinese composer to earn a doctoral degree in composition. Throughout his career, Tang has received numerous accolades, including the National Symphony Works Competition and the National Culture Award. His opera "The 170 Days in Nanking" gained international recognition, being performed in prestigious venues like the Lincoln Center in the USA and in cities such as Tokyo and Taipei.

Tang’s repertoire is extensive, comprising operas, symphonies, concertos, and musicals. Notable works include "The Dawns Here Are Quiet," "Der Große Kanal," and the symphonic work "Genghis Khan." His contributions to both Western and traditional Chinese music have made significant impacts, with performances and recognition worldwide.

Tang's operas often reflect historical and cultural narratives, such as "The 170 Days in Nanking," which dramatizes the Nanking Massacre through the lens of John Rabe's diaries, and "Voyage To The East," which explores the journey of a Buddhist master to Japan. His operatic work "The Dawns Here Are Quiet," was performed by the National Grand Theater of China and the Mariinsky Theater in Russia.

His orchestral compositions blend traditional Chinese instruments with Western symphonic elements, evident in works like the Pipa Concerto "Spring and Autumn" and the Guzheng Concerto "Luoshen." Tang’s commitment to national orchestral music is further demonstrated in his works "The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl" and "Yang Osang," which are celebrated for their nationalistic themes and innovative use of traditional Chinese music within the symphonic context.

Tang’s influence extends into musical theatre and dance, with pieces like the musical "Clouds Over the Mountain" and the dance drama "Shaolin in the Wind," showcasing his versatility across different musical genres. His large-scale symphonic work "Shenzhou Harmony" and the epic symphony "Genghis Khan" are particularly noted for their grandeur and historical storytelling.