(XINHUA)

Zheng Xiaoying, China's first female opera and symphony orchestra conductor, received the 2012 Chinese Culture Figure title alongside nine other contenders on December 12. She won the title for her contribution to conducting and music education.

Zheng attended the Central Conservatory of Music (CCM) where she followed courses in composition and conducting in 1952. She subsequently studied at the Moscow Conservatory from 1960 to 1963. After returning to China, she first taught at the Conducting Department of the CCM, then went on to become the chief conductor of China National Opera House.

She has led world famous works such as Camen, Madama Butterfly and Le Nozze di Figaro with great success. Invited to conduct and lecture in over 20 countries, Zheng has won numerous awards at home and abroad, including the Honorary Medal of French Literature and Arts in 1985.

Although she is currently 83 years old, Zheng is still active on stage and keen to promote operas among the Chinese public.