Loss of a key figure

In early interviews, Zhu recalled that Lang showed his distinctive musical talent and passion for the piano as a child. "A solid foundation is particularly important for a talented child like Lang Lang. I encouraged him to practice hard and be diligent," Zhu said.

Born in Shenyang, Liaoning province, Lang began learning to play the piano at the age of 3 and by the age of 13, he had won the first prize at the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians. In 1997, Lang moved to the United States to study at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. He made a name for himself with a performance at age 17, when he played Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No 1 with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Lang told China Daily that when he went through difficult times, such as failure at competitions, Zhu always told him to slow down and concentrate on practicing.

"She was always able to calm me down and lift my spirits," he said during the interview.

Lang wrote on Sina Weibo: "If I had to choose only one teacher, it would be Zhu."

He said during the interview: "I never stopped sharing my life with her. She was always there for me. She even helped me fill out the application forms when I applied to the Curtis Institute of Music.

"She was more like a family member to me. Thanks to her, I have become who I am today."

Lang, who is touring Japan, is scheduled to pay homage to Zhu and express his grief online at the memorial event in Beijing on Thursday.

The Piano Institute of the Chinese Musicians Association also mourns the loss of Zhu.

"Our hearts are broken to learn of her death. She not only trained established professionals like Lang Lang, who has achieved success internationally, but also spent many years organizing music competitions," said the institute in a release on Sunday.

Many music schools also sent their condolences and paid tribute to Zhu, including the Central Conservatory of Music, Shanghai Conservatory of Music and Xinghai Conservatory of Music.