Derun Gao (70) passed away on January 5, 2024. Throughout a 23 year battle with cancer, Derun fought admirably, enduring numerous treatments and surgeries all for the sake of spending more time with this family, who love and needed him dearly.

Born in Nanjing, China, Derun was a child prodigy in music. Derun found early and popular success in his career and became a renowned conductor, composer, and producer in China. Following his passion for classical composition, Derun migrated his family to the United States and attended the Wells School of Music, where he wrote The First String Quartet, which won him Composer of the Year of Delaware.

Prior to the pandemic, Derun led the creation of the Chunhui Choir, assuming the role of music director and conductor, while his wife, renowned singer Zhi Jiang, served as vocal coach and artistic director. Just this past autumn, Derun expertly directed the Chunhui Choir in the "Rhyme of Golden Autumn" concert, making significant contributions to promoting Chinese culture, enhancing community life, and fostering multicultural exchange.

Aside from music, Derun had a passion for golf. A fervent student of the sport, Derun spent countless hours honing his skills and could be found on the course rain or shine. Even in his final days, Derun spent time on the greens, a place where he always felt at peace.

Derun was devotedly in love with his wife, Zhi Jiang. He also leaves behind his son, Chao, his daughter-in-law, Meghan, two adoring grandchildren, Evie and Theo, and a loving community of friends and students. Derun's family, friends and students will remember him for his wisdom and thoughtfulness, his compassion and devotion, his humor, and his unending generosity.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024, from 5-7pm, followed by Funeral Services on Saturday morning, January 13, 2024, beginning at 9am at the Mealey Funeral Home, 2509 Limestone Rd., Wilmington, DE 19808.

Please CLICK HERE to view a live and recorded version of the service: https://portal.memoryshare.com/services/view/derun-gao-8076293

高德润先生治丧委员会沉痛公告:

春晖合唱团创始人、音乐总监、尊敬的指挥高德润先生因病于2024年1月5日逝世,享年70岁。在与癌症长达23年的搏斗中,高先生以顽强的毅力经历了多次手术治疗,完美地实现了他生前要争取更多的时光来陪伴他深爱的家人的心愿。

高先生出生在中国南京,是一位音乐天才,他在早期的职业生涯中就已经取得了巨大的成功。他毕业于中央音乐学院,1977年至1990年在中央歌舞团担任指挥和作曲。期间他发表无数音乐作品,包括第11届亚运会上的《亚运进行曲》、89年天安门国庆晚会上的歌曲(《五彩缤纷》和《相聚在北京》)、电视连续剧歌曲等,并出版了很多唱片和音像作品。1990年还担任中国CCTV全国第四届青年歌手电视大奖赛评委。 1992年取得在美国West Chester University 音乐学院的作曲硕士学位。他创作的《第一弦乐四重奏》获得美国特拉华州年度作曲家称号。

高先生是一位积极参与社区活动的热心人士,他广泛涉足特拉华及周边社区的社会活动。曾担任特拉华华美活动中心(CACC)知音合唱团的指挥,于1993年成功地执导了特拉华首届《黄河大合唱》,展现了他卓越的音乐才华。在疫情爆发前,他领导创建了春晖合唱团,并担任音乐总监和指挥。他的妻子、杰出的歌唱家姜志女士担任声乐指导和艺术总监。就在去年秋天,高先生在剧烈的病痛中坚持并出色地执导了《金秋之韵》音乐会,为宣传中国文化、丰富社区生活以及促进多元文化交流作出了巨大的努力。

除了音乐,高先生热爱高尔夫运动。他曾花很多时间磨练球技,无论晴雨。即便在与疾病抗争的日子里,也常常都能在球场上看到他的身影。他喜爱球场带给他的宁静、珍惜每一次与球友的交流。

高先生身后留下深爱他的妻子姜志女士,他们的儿子高超、儿媳梅根,以及可爱的孙女Evie和孙子Theo,还有一群对高先生充满爱戴的朋友和热爱音乐的学生。大家将永远记住他的智慧、体贴、慈爱、幽默和无尽的慷慨。

为了满足高先生生前好友、学生缅怀高先生的意愿,特设立"高德润纪念基金"。若您有意爱心捐赠高德润纪念基金,请email or Paypal 给chao_gao@hotmail.com (捐赠请注明"For Mr. Derun Gao Memorial Fund")。

高德润先生遗体告别定于2024年1月12日星期五下午5-7PM;葬礼定于2024年1月13日星期六早上9AM。

遗体告别和葬礼都将在弥离殡仪馆举行: Mealey Funeral Homes

地址:2509 Limestone Rd, Wilmington, DE