A classical education

Known for her warm personality and tomboy image, Han has many celebrity friends. At the launch, some of them joined Han to celebrate her new album, including film director Zhang Yimou, actor Ge You, and Chinese basketball star Yao Ming, who is the president of Chinese Basketball Association. They listened to Han's compositions and enjoyed her compelling story behind the new album.

"I didn't listen to classical music until four years ago. But at that time, singing and writing pop songs were not enough for me," she explains. "Unlike pop songs, the classical music pieces have no lyrics. However, to me, they are powerful and touching.

"I was intrigued by classical music, which can transport you to a different time and place. There are many different musical instruments, which make each classical music piece colorful and expressive," Han adds.

One day, about four years ago, Han tried to compose a music piece for cello, which she sent to renowned composer Tan Dun. She got in touch with Tan through a mutual friend and hoped to ask for Tan's professional opinion about her composition.

"In the beginning, I was not sure. 'Is this Han Hong the pop singer I saw on TV?' I asked the friend, who gave me a positive reply. I was very interested and listened to the music piece," recalls Tan. "For classically trained composers, composing a piece of music means (a good mastery of) music theory, compositional techniques and a systematic approach. For Han Hong, her compositions are like secrets that come naturally from her heart."