Now they will have the chance to see him again when he joins the China Philharmonic Orchestra in Beijing for the world premiere of Philip Glass' new cello concerto.

Lloyd-Webber, a world-famous concert cellist, is best known for his efforts to showcase British classical music, but he has demonstrated a repertoire that includes everything from German baroque to modern pop.

Born in 1951, Webber, and his brother Andrew Lloyd-Webber, the famous composer of several popular musicals including "Cats" and "Phantom of Opera," received their initial education in music from their mother, piano teacher Jean Hermione Johnstone.

Julian reportedly didn't like the piano and had trouble making both of his hands do what they were supposed to do simultaneously.

He heard a cello being played during a children's concert and became fascinated with the instrument.

At 13, he dropped the piano for the cello and made it his instrument.

Since then, he has embarked on the road to become one the foremost cellists in the world. Among others, he has given more than 50 works their first recordings as an exclusive Philips Classics artist.

(China Daily 04/04/2001)