Born in Kunming in Yunnan province and moving to Shanghai in 1930, Nie died at the tender age of 23. Using his real name Nie Shouxin, he, along with poet, scriptwriter and lyricist Tian Han (1898-1968), composed March of the Volunteers in 1935, a song that provided great encouragement to soldiers and civilians during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45). The song was later chosen as China's national anthem.

"Choral drama is a performance art that combines elements of choral singing with theatrical expression. This production not only pays tribute to a legendary composer but also redefines the choral drama genre," says Li Xincao, conductor and president of the China Conservatory of Music.

"It's a fresh take on telling the story of Nie Er. With the chorus playing a central role, which reflects the emotions and plot themes, the production combines music with acting and sometimes dance or visual effects.