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Julian Yu is a Chinese-Australian composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on October 16, 1957, in Beijing, China, Yu grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a composer and conductor, and his mother was a pianist. Yu began playing the piano at the age of four and showed an early interest in music composition. In 1977, Yu moved to Australia to study music composition at the University of Melbourne. He later earned a Ph.D. in music composition from the same university. During his studies, Yu was heavily influenced by the works of composers such as Igor Stravinsky, Arnold Schoenberg, and Anton Webern. Yu's early compositions were heavily influenced by the avant-garde music of the 20th century. His works often featured complex rhythms, unconventional harmonies, and intricate textures. Some of his early works include "String Quartet No. 1" (1981) and "Piano Sonata No. 1" (1982). In the 1980s, Yu began to incorporate elements of Chinese music into his compositions. He was particularly interested in the traditional music of the Sichuan province in China, where his family was from. Yu's works from this period include "Sichuan Images" (1984) and "Chinese Pictures" (1986). Yu's music has been performed by some of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the New York Philharmonic. He has also collaborated with many renowned musicians, including pianist Lang Lang and conductor Lorin Maazel. One of Yu's most significant works is his "Symphony No. 3," which was commissioned by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 1993. The symphony is a fusion of Western and Chinese musical traditions and features a large orchestra, a choir, and a soloist playing the pipa, a traditional Chinese stringed instrument. The work has been praised for its innovative use of Chinese musical elements and its powerful emotional impact. Another notable work by Yu is his "Piano Concerto No. 2," which was commissioned by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in 2000. The concerto features a solo piano accompanied by a large orchestra and draws on a wide range of musical influences, including Chinese folk music, jazz, and classical music. The work has been praised for its virtuosic piano writing and its inventive use of orchestration. In addition to his work as a composer, Yu is also a respected music educator. He has taught at several universities, including the University of Melbourne, the University of Western Australia, and the University of Hong Kong. He has also served as a guest lecturer and conductor at many institutions around the world. Yu has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to music. In 1991, he was awarded the prestigious Paul Lowin Prize for his "String Quartet No. 2." He has also been awarded the Order of Australia for his services to music education and composition. In conclusion, Julian Yu is a highly respected composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. His works draw on a wide range of musical influences and often incorporate elements of Chinese music. Yu's music has been performed by some of the world's leading orchestras and ensembles, and he has received numerous awards and honors for his work.

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