Yundi Li
(Source: lifeofguangzhou.com)
He does not need to strive for brilliance or individuality. When he plays, those qualities are simply there.
A well-known young classical pianist, Yundi Li was propelled into the international musical scene after winning first prize at the 2000 Chopin International Piano Competition in Warsaw. At 18 years of age, he was one of the youngest winners of this prestigious competition.
Yundi Li was born in 1982 in Chongqing, Sichuan, China. While still a boy, he displayed a remarkable sensitivity towards music and began to learn the accordion at the age of 4. Just one year later he won first prize at the Chongqing Children’s Accordion Competition. When he was 7, he started to learn the piano. Two years later, already filled with the ambition of becoming a professional pianist, he studied under Dan Zhaoyi, one of China’s most famous piano teachers. In 1994, Yundi Li entered the junior high school attached to Sichuan Music Academy. He later studied at Shenzhen School of Arts.
Yundi Li’s highly sensitive interpretations have earned him the title “Poet of the Piano”. After winning the 2000 Chopin International Piano Competition, he released four solo albums including two featuring works of Chopin. The New York Times praised Yundi Li’s standard-bearing Chopin playing, “Mr. Li is a poetic player with a sensitive touch, but also ample power when he needs it. Those qualities...served Chopin perfectly.” His 2003 Liszt album won high critical acclaim and was awarded the German Echo Award and New York Times’ Best Classical CD 2003.
Known for his remarkable depth and technique, Yundi Li made his American debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra, performing Chopin Piano Concerto No 1 in July 2003. One year later, he completed his North American debut tour which included sold-out performances in Boston, Vancouver, San Francisco and New York. In spring 2005, he performed in Los Angeles and New York with the American Youth Symphony to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Highlights of recent seasons included touring with the Vienna Symphony in the fall of 2006 and with the San Francisco Symphony, Detroit Symphony and National Symphony in spring 2007.
In February 2007, Yundi Li released his fifth recording, Liszt’s and Chopin’s First Piano Concertos. The recording was a huge success, receiving immense critical acclaim. Geoff Brown of the London Times commented, “This disc of Liszt’s and Chopin’s First Piano Concertos would rate an absolute A grade.”
While critics consistently marvel at the young musician’s artistic integrity, Yundi Li favors substance over style. He never lets the audience forget they are witnessing an artist at the beginning of a remarkable career where every year brings the opportunity for fresh interpretations.
Source: www.ell.cn
Editor: Xu Xinlei
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