Zhao Cheng is one of the most influential contemporary composers in China and the founder of M2 Studio (Moer Cultural Media). Known for his cross disciplinary practice and powerful sense of musical dramaturgy, he has become a leading figure in original Chinese music for stage and screen.

With an international outlook and a distinctly Chinese voice, Zhao Cheng has composed for major global events, including the Opening Ceremonies of the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games and the 2008 World Mind Sports Games, as well as the Oscar shortlisted short film The Legend of Elephant Trunk Hill.

Zhao has created music for more than thirty dance dramas, operas, and musicals supported by the China National Arts Fund, working across theater, film, dance, and large scale performance. His representative dance works include Confucius, Li Shutong, The Mudman’s Story, Eight Heroines, Mei Lanfang, Mulan, Red Flag, Stone Pomegranate Blossoms, The Long March, The River of Transport, Original Wind, and many others. His film credits include Nanjing! Nanjing!, The Last Supper, Tibetan Story, Borrowed Eyes, and Deep Love.

Zhao Cheng’s works have received numerous top honors, including the Wenhua Award of the Chinese Government, multiple “Five One Project” Awards, and multiple China Dance Lotus Awards for both full length dance dramas and dance pieces. Through his music, he continues to shape the sound of contemporary Chinese performance, using melody to carry history, emotion, and imagination.