George Li facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Li
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| Background information | |
| Native name |
黎卓宇
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| Born | August 24, 1995 (age 29) |
| Origin | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Genres | Classical |
| Occupation(s) | Pianist |
| Instruments | Piano |
| Years active | 2004-present |
| Labels | Warner Classics |
George Li is an amazing American concert pianist. He was born on August 24, 1995. He won a special award called the Avery Fisher Career Grant in 2016. He also won a silver medal at the 2015 International Tchaikovsky Competition. This competition is one of the most famous music contests in the world.
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Early Life and Piano Journey
George Li was born in Boston, Massachusetts. His parents came from the People's Republic of China. He started playing the piano when he was just four years old. Imagine starting something so big at such a young age! He first learned from a teacher named Yin Chengzong. Later, he studied with other great teachers, Wha Kyung Byun and Russell Sherman.
George Li's Career Highlights
George Li started performing with orchestras when he was only nine years old. His first big show was with the Xiamen Philharmonic. A year later, he played his first solo concert in his hometown of Boston. Since then, he has performed many times. He plays by himself, with other musicians, and as a soloist with orchestras.
Carnegie Hall Debut
When George was 11, he played at Carnegie Hall. This is a very famous concert hall in New York City. His performance was even shown on a TV show called From the Top. Two weeks later, he appeared on the Martha Stewart Show.
Performing with Famous Orchestras
George Li has played with many famous orchestras around the world. Some of these include the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Mariinsky Orchestra. He has also performed with the Cleveland Orchestra and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. He has traveled to North America, Asia, and Europe to share his music.
Awards and Competitions
George Li has won many awards for his piano playing.
- At ages six and seven, he won first prize in Massachusetts music competitions.
- In 2005, when he was nine, he won second prize in two big piano contests. These were the Virginia Waring International Piano Competition and the Cincinnati World Piano Competition.
- In 2008, he won second prize in the Gina Bachauer International Piano Junior Artist Competition.
- In 2010, he won first prize at the Thomas & Evon Cooper International Competition.
- Soon after, he also won first prize in the 2010 Young Concert Artists International Auditions.
Playing for Presidents
On June 7, 2011, George Li played the piano for some very important people. He performed for President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama. He also played for German Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel at a special dinner. This event took place in the White House Rose Garden.
Gilmore Young Artist Award
On June 23, 2011, George Li received another special honor. He was chosen for the 2012 Gilmore Young Artist Award. He was the youngest person ever to receive this award.
International Tchaikovsky Competition
On July 1, 2015, George Li won second prize at the XV International Tchaikovsky Competition. He tied with another talented pianist, Lukas Geniušas. This competition is a huge deal in the classical music world. After this, he became very busy performing all over the world.
George Li's Life and Education
George Li lives in Lexington, Massachusetts. He went to Walnut Hill School and the New England Conservatory Preparatory School. He continued to study piano with Wha Kyung Byun and Russell Sherman there.
In 2018, George graduated from a special program. He earned two degrees at the same time! He studied at Harvard University and the New England Conservatory. He is now part of a very special program at the New England Conservatory. It is called the Artist Diploma program.
