Yundi Li

Yundi Li has transcended the classical world: He is the first pianist featured in a Wall Street Journal’ cover story as well as the Japanese “Time” magazine” called AERA; he is the first Chinese musician selected and featured in Madame Tussauds; he is the first Chinese pianist who recorded with Berlin Philharmonic and Maestro Seiji Ozawa. “The Young Romantic”, a documentary film of the superstar pianist Yundi Li, featuring Maestro Seiji Ozawa and Berlin Philharmonic will be broadcasted worldwide on TV this spring through PBS, ZDF, NHK, CCTV as well as other stations, reaching more than 100 million persons.

Yundi Li is the superstar pianist - a household name in China where classical music is worshiped. He was the youngest winner of the prestigious International Chopin Competition and the first pianist in 15 years to be awarded the first prize as well as the first Chinese winner. Now exploding on the international stage, critics praise his precise, crystalline technique, his fluidity on the keys, and his boundless enthusiasm; his international acclaims include twice winning the “Classical Recording of the year” by the New York Times. “The virtuoso Chinese pianist who is something of a classical Elvis Presley and has legions of female fans in his home country,” Haaretz wrote. He appeals not only to young audiences, he also appeals to national leaders. Yundi was invited by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong government to play for the President of China, Hu Jin Tao at the Government House, celebrating the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong handover to China.

In February 2007, Yundi released his fifth recording to immense critical acclaim. The London Times, comments that “this disc of Liszt and Chopin’s first piano concertos gives ample proof that virtuosity needn’t be empty-headed or lit by candelabras. This would rate an unqualified A grade.…Yundi Li is never reckless; there’s always an artist in firm control, sculpting both tone and phrasing.” This recording stands apart from the music of his contemporaries, and critics consistently marvel at the young musician’s unwavering artistic integrity.

Yundi’s musical career began with the accordion at 4. His prodigious talent was recognized one year later, when he won the top prize at the Chongqing Accordion Competition. At 7, Yundi began his journey to greatness on the piano. At 18, Yundi burst onto the European scene, claiming First Prize at the 14th International Frederick Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw. His subsequent rise to international acclaim has made him a hero back in China, where secondary school children now study Yundi’s success story, with the hopes that one day they too will be able to make their dreams come true.

Anthony Tomassini of the New York Times recently observed, “With four Deutsche Grammophon recordings already to his credit and an ardent following smitten with his boyish appeal, this brilliantly talented virtuoso is off to a quick start.” In 2003, Yundi captivated audiences with his American debut of Chopin’s Concerto No. 1, performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra. Yundi subsequently performed Grieg’s Concerto with the Cincinnati Symphony, with Paavo Järvi in Berlin, and with the NHK Symphony in Japan. He toured throughout Germany with the Moscow Philharmonic and Yuri Simonow, as well as with the Budapest Festival Orchestra. Among his many other accomplishments are recitals in Prague, Paris, Verbier and Mallorca. He also debuted at Carnegie Hall and at the Salzburg Festival playing Chopin and Liszt. The Chinese Ambassador honored Yundi with a special reception at his home in Washington, D.C.

Last year, the Prince of the Piano toured the world, including concerts with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra in Hong Kong, and with the London Symphony Orchestra in the Barbican Centre, London and in Seoul, South Korea. He also made his Israeli debut, playing with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra under Gustavo Dudamel. He performed in Spoleto, Italy, and with the Wiener Symphoniker in both Vienna’s Musikverein and in Japan. Yundi collaborated with the Zurich Chamber Orchestra in Zurich’s Tonhalle. Yundi also played recitals throughout the United States (including New York’s Carnegie Hall), and he captivated audiences in Canada, Germany, London (at Queen Elizabeth Hall), Paris (at Théâtre du Châtelet), Finland, Denmark and Luxemburg. Finally, Yundi returned to his homeland, and completed an extensive tour in China. In May 2007, Yundi joined forces with the Berlin Philharmonic and Maestro Seiji Ozawa to record Prokofiev’s Second Piano Concerto and Ravel’s Concerto in G major; critically acclaimed by New York Times; this Deutsche Grammophon recording marks the first time a Chinese pianist has recorded with Maestro Ozawa and the Berlin Philharmonic.

During 2008 winter and early spring, Mr. Li is performing a recital tour that spans the United States, taking him to the southwest: Logan, Utah; San Francisco, Costa Mesa and La Jolla, California and Scottsdale. He then heads eastward to Washington DC; Atlanta; Troy, New York; Toronto; Naples and Miami, Florida; ending in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.