The famous Chinese composer, Nie Er, was born on February 14th, 1912 in Kunming, Yunnan Province. He is often referred to as "the people's musician."

During 1932 to 1935 Nie created a series of works, including more than 20 theme songs, episodes for eight movies, three dramas, and one opera. Nie created 41 scores in total, and a significant proportion of these songs reflected working class life and struggles.

The peak of Nie's work was his March of the Volunteers, which finally became the national anthem of People's Republic of China. The ballad was originally the theme song of the film, "Sons and Daughters in a Time of Storm", which tells the story of people at the front fighting Japanese invaders in northeast China in the 1930s.

Nie Lihua, the niece of Nie Er, said, "Although I never saw my uncle, I knew that he showed his keen interest in folk music, because when I was young, I often liked to read my uncle's diaries, while listening to his music. Influenced by those diaries and music pieces, I joined the Communist Party of China and became interested in composition work."

"The enthusiasm which Nie Er engaged in while creating music pieces is completely from his inspiration gained from the grass-level people. That is why his work can touch the heart of every Chinese person," Qing Shan, the son of Nie Lihua and a music producer, said.

Qing, along with other musicians in Beijing, will plan a big event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Nie Er next year.