Accompanied by dancers, Li Binquan uses calligraphy to interpret "Drinking Alone Under the Moon", a famous poem from the Tang Dynasty. Photos provided to China Daily

He has not been popular until the last three or four years, but one calligraphy work by Li Binquan now sells for as much as 280,000 yuan ($44,000) on the art market, nearly as high as pieces by noted modern masters.

Although too young to be called an icon of the art form, he has become one of China's most innovative calligraphers by combining the stylized writing with music and dance.

Born in 1965 in Shanxi province, Li is now a member of Chinese Calligraphers Association. He has studied the cursive hand for 30 years and continues to practice 10 hours every day to further understand the essence of the traditional art.

He also promotes Chinese traditional calligraphy and culture to Western countries through his unique live performances.

On the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Austria last year, Li performed his stylish calligraphy in the Golden Hall of Vienna and performed a calligraphy concert in the Hofburg Palace.

He presented a magic journey during the concert ranging from calligraphy to Chinese classic music from different dynasties with the accompaniment of a theatrical garden, porcelain and many other Chinese elements.

The concert had 16 chapters, each a performance of a famous Chinese song or a traditional Chinese musical instrument coupled with a displays of ancient costumes, a court dances and even Peking opera performed by renowned artist Li Yugang.

Writing Chinese poetry to the rhythm, his calligraphy is fierce yet not extreme, tender but not inert. The fantastic combination brought an audio-visual feast for the audience.

Richard Trappl, head of Confucius Institute at the University of Vienna, said it was the first time he had seen that kind of performance, noting the writing was beautiful and the music was elegant.