Pulitzer Prize winner who combined elements from both Chinese and American music styles to create a unique, revolutionary sound.
He lived on a state-run farm where he operated a tractor during Mao Zedong's Cultural Revolution.
He won the 2011 Pulitzer Prize for Music for his opera "Madame White Snake," which was originally performed by the Opera Boston at the Cutler Majestic Theatre.
His family was artistic. He married fellow Composer Chen Yi in 1999.
He collaborated with Yo-Yo Ma for the Seattle Symphony Orchestra.
