Dream come true: China construction worker who found fame playing piano on streets excited to meet global star Lang Lang
- Labourer tinkles ivories on streets of Shenzhen streets, gets TV spot
- Spring Festival Gala show invitation brings promise of Lang Lang meet
.JPG?itok=NUwH9YK3&v=1713190226)
A 58-year-old construction worker and amateur piano player in China said he would love to meet the global superstar Lang Lang, who then responded and made his wish come true.
Yi Jianli, a migrant worker who has lived in Shenzhen, southeastern China for more than 20 years, was invited to play in CCTV’s televised Spring Festival Gala variety show, which will broadcast on Lunar New Year’s Eve.
During rehearsals, Yi said he hoped to meet the world-famous pianist at the event, and two days later, the star wrote him a heartfelt message.
In a viral video, Yi is seen playing piano in the hall of CCTV’s head office, as a crowd gathers round to listen and applaud.
Yi smiles shyly and, when asked what his biggest wish is, confesses it is to meet Lang Lang.
“I’m a construction worker who likes playing piano, and I admire Lang Lang very much,” Yi says in the video, then jokingly asks if there was any possibility he could meet his hero, not really expecting it to happen.
Then, on January 21, the internationally celebrated musician and composer responded to the lucky labourer with a thoughtful message on Weibo.
“I watched your video, and I was inspired by your passion. Thank you for liking my music. I am looking forward to meeting you,” Lang Lang wrote.
Yi gained popularity in April after he captivated people who saw him busking on the streets of Shenzhen while still dressed in his work clothes.
Yi said he was nervous at the time because he thought he would be sneered at for being a construction worker and wearing scruffy work gear.
“But once people around me began to applaud, I started to feel good,” Yi said.
Yi, who learned piano in his teens at his aunt’s home, had not played for 30 years until recently.
He said he hoped everyone could love life regardless of their job.
The story has melted hearts on mainland social media.
“Everybody who has a dream can shine,” one person said.
“It’s so touching,” said another.
“I’m looking forward to seeing their meeting,” said a third, while a fourth person added: “His passion for life is really inspiring.”
