Chinese musicians mourn Italian conductor Abbado

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BEIJING?-- China's National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) held a memorial event to mourn Italian musical conductor Claudio Abbado on Sunday, a week after the world-renowned maestro passed away.

Yang Jingmao, vice president of NCPA, said that Abbado is an Italian conductor with a global reach. "His performance was transcendent and his death is a great loss for the musical world."

Tan Lihua, principal conductor of Beijing Symphony Orchestra, said, "Personally, Abbado is immensely kind and humble. He will remain deep in our memory."

Li Zhe, a noted violinist with the NCPA, said Abbado had especially taken an active role in supporting young musical talents." He was devoted to training young musicians and promoting classical music."

Abbado has performed in Beijing twice and left a deep impression on Chinese audience.

The musical conductor died last Monday at home in Bologna at the age of 80 after a long illness. During his life, he received many awards and honors including two Grammy awards and four honorary doctorates, and was voted into the Gramaphone Hall of Fame.