The Central Conservatory of Music held a concert on Monday to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Deng Xiaoping's approval of the school's expansion of its admissions quota.

In 1977, China had its first public examination for the entrance of universities and colleges after the "cultural revolution" (1966-76).

Because of the accumulation of students during the 10 years, many talented students could not be admitted because of the limited quotas.

Deng, the then vice-chairman of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, approved the conservatory's request for a higher quota. Many students admitted that year became famous musicians later, such as Tan Dun, Chen Qigang and Guo Wenjing.

(China Daily December 12, 2007)