Li Yundi enchants London

China is not only importing talent, it's also exporting it. Chinese piano sensation Li Yundi has recently appeared in London, the halfway point of his European tour. 12 years ago, he was the youngest pianist ever to win the International Chopin Competition. Today, his international reputation is firmly established.

At home, Li Yundi's cabinets creak under the weight of international awards for his work.

But when I caught up with the star during his 15 city tour he admitted to me that this time it was special because it's a first.

Li Yundi said, "It is the first time I've played Beethoven in an European tour. I have never played his music in European concert halls for the public."

It is a memorable milestone in a breathtaking career.

The son of steelworkers from the industrial city of Chongqing; bringing to Europe the finest interpretation of their musical culture.

"He is the only composers whose works were all made for piano. He is a musical poet, a patriot whose ideas bore resemblance to traditional Chinese music. It is as delicate and perfect, always making people think."

It was for this exquisite understanding of Chopin's work that Li Yundi at the tender age of just 18 won the celebrated International Frederic Chopin Piano Competition in 2000.

Richard Bestic said, "If you want a measure of Li Yundi's popularity take a look at Amazon's Chinese best sellers where the classicist currently occupies 10 of the top 15 places against all-comers; classical Jazz and Pop."