And after becoming a solo singer with the Central Symphony Orchestra in 1974, Li has toured with the orchestra to perform in China and abroad, including in France, the United States and Japan.
She also received training in Western vocal performance and combined it with Chinese singing techniques. Besides, she promotes original Chinese songs featuring musical elements from Chinese folk operas and ethnic groups.
"It's an approach I use when I teach young Chinese singers－to learn and sing Chinese folk operas first," says Li.
"There are over 300 forms of Chinese operas and different techniques of singing used by Chinese ethnic groups. Those art forms are unique treasures, which deserve further study and promotion.
"When you look back on Chinese songs written during the 1980s, you feel that the lyrics are poetic and the melodies are inspired by Chinese tradition," says Li.
"During the past 40 years, the Chinese music scene has blossomed. I hope that the new generation of musicians, who are often influenced by the West, base their music on their Chinese roots."
