Chinese ‘piano prince’ enchants France

Paris (CNS) -- Chinese "piano prince" Li Yundi treated a French audience to a unique solo concert on Monday evening, structured in two parts – Chopin classics and Chinese traditional melodies.

The piano prodigy won first prize at the 2010 International Frederic Chopin Piano Competition at 18 years of age, the youngest ever pianist and first Chinese to be honored with the championship.

Despite many visits to France, this occassion in Paris was the first time he has performed Chinese music combined with western performance skills, the maestro said.

The audience in the Salle Pleyel were enchanted by his inter-cultural innovations, including rich Peking Opera and Chinese folk music elements. Most of the pieces were included in his album "Red Piano" released last year.

There is no so-called success in the art sphere, but only persistent exploration, Li told CNS. Chinese culture faces a long, open road on which to interact and clash with the diverse cultures of the world, and to sustain and develop itself by doing so.