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I was born in Chongqing. I come from a family in education—my grandparents both worked in the sector.
To become a pianist, it is best to start learning from the ages of 4 or 5. I started playing the piano at 7 years old. It’s quite old to be starting, but I had been learning the accordion for a few years prior. I switched to the piano as a challenge.
When I was 18, I won the [2000] International Chopin Competition.
I decided that piano and music would be my life, and began my career in music after that.
If you ask any musician, talent and practice are both important. Alongside talent, you need to love music.
If you really love something, everything becomes very smooth.
I love to perform, I love music and I love the piano. That’s why I can keep developing my talent and let it show.
I have 14 concerts coming up. It’s a busy and tiring schedule. My mind is excited and energized, but my body is exhausted. I need a week to recharge my batteries.
On tour, there is really no time to relax. I do rehearsals, then perform. The only thing I can do is sleep more.
This concert is a very special one for me. A classical musician normally only plays in a concert hall, like the Cultural Centre. I chose to play at the Hong Kong Coliseum because I want more young people to be in touch with classical music.
I want to let the next generation know and understand what classical music is.
I think my lifestyle, my taste and everything are fashionable. That is how I can relate to young people. But I present music that is historic and legendary. That is how I find a connection with my fans, and how we find a middle ground in understanding each other.
[Female fans] like me and pay attention to my life, and of course, I really appreciate them. It is because of [my fans] that my dreams come true.
My goal now is to inspire young people, especially in China.
China’s classical music scene is growing. You can see that 15 million people are learning the piano. In the future, there will be more and more musicians coming to the classical music stage. This is a good sign for our musical and cultural development.
I suggest everyone study classical music from a young age.
I don’t think classical music is boring. That’s just what people think it is. I think law is boring.
You need to study classical music first— and then you will understand it.
I think my career has progressed quite well. I’m doing the things that I want.
Sometimes, you become disappointed and you are a little bit unhappy—but that’s normal. In life, you’re not always happy.
What’s important is how you can keep going, and go in the direction that you want.
Hong Kong’s food is among the best in the world. From noodles to dumplings to pork—everything is so colorful.
I live in Beijing, but I hope to be able to be here part of the year to feel this fantastic city’s energy.
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to do the best of your ability in everything you do.
The most valuable thing in life is to be yourself, do the things that you really want—and not to worry about anything.
 
Yundi Li performs Beethoven’s “Emperor” Piano Concerto No. 5 on Dec 13, 8:15pm. Hong Kong Coliseum, 9 Cheong Wan Rd., Hung Hom. $250-1,250 from www.urbtix.hk.


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Yundi Li

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Piano virtuoso Yundi Li has been in the spotlight since he was 18, and the Chopin specialist is one of China’s most renowned classical musicians. Ahead of a concert at the Hong Kong Coliseum, he tells Andrea Lo about the unconventional choice of venue and his thoughts on female fans.
