'Lifelong mentor'

In a new documentary by Heilongjiang Film Studio, titled The Spirit of Strings, Xue recalls fond memories of Alice Schoenfeld and her sister, cellist Eleonore Schoenfeld (1925-2007), who both taught at USC Thornton School of Music in the United States as professors and established early ties with China's music scene.

"They came to China soon after the reform and opening-up policy was launched, and performed Brahms' Double Concerto with the Central Philharmonic Orchestra of China (today's China National Symphony Orchestra)," Xue says.

Recognizing the talent and diligence of Chinese music students, the sisters helped those in conservatories of Shanghai, Beijing and Liaoning province's Shenyang to apply for USC and secure scholarships.

Xue himself was one of the students. He studied at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and then entered the China National Symphony Orchestra. In 1986, he was enrolled in the USC Thornton School of Music to study under Alice Schoenfeld.

"When I was first admitted, she helped me every step of the way to obtain a scholarship that covered both tuition and living expenses. They even drove me to rehearsals and performances. I was deeply, deeply moved," Xue says.

"She was like a parent to me, as well as being a lifelong mentor."