Zhang Zhao is one of the most active contemporary Chinese composers and a professor at the School of Music of Minzu University of China who has been composing for the German music publisher Schott. As a recipient of many national awards, Zhang has been invited to create works for many well-known musicians, including Sheng Zhongguo, Lang Lang, Li Yundi and Han Lei. Zhang was also the first Chinese composer to have his works chosen by the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music, Trinity College London and the national piano grading examination of Australia.