Yundi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Yundi Li
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| 李云迪 | |
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Yundi in 2019
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| Born | 7 October 1982 |
| Citizenship | Hong Kong |
| Alma mater |
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| Occupation | Pianist |
| Years active | 1994–present |
| Awards | First Prize at 14th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition (2000) |
| Honours |   |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | Classical |
| Instruments | Piano |
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Yundi Li (simplified Chinese: 李云迪; traditional Chinese: 李雲迪; pinyin: Lǐ Yúndí; born on October 7, 1982), often called just Yundi, is a famous Chinese classical concert pianist. He is especially known for playing the music of Chopin, Liszt, and Prokofiev. Many people think he is one of the best living pianists who plays Chopin's music.
Yundi became famous when he won first prize at the International Chopin Piano Competition in 2000. He was only eighteen years old, making him the youngest winner ever. In 2015, he also became the youngest person to be a judge at the same competition. The Polish government gave Yundi the world's first "Chopin passport" because of his amazing work with Chopin's music. He is also the first Chinese person to receive both the Silver (2010) and Gold (2019) Medal for Merit to Culture - Gloria Artis. These awards are from the Polish government for his contributions to music and Polish culture.
Yundi has helped share Chinese music around the world. He also supports the growth of classical music in China through his influence and charity work.
Contents
Yundi Li's Early Life and Learning
Yundi Li was born in Chongqing, China, on October 7, 1982. His parents, Li Chuan and Zhang Xiaolu, worked for a steel company. Even though his family was not very musical, Yundi started learning music at a very young age. When he was three, he loved an accordion performance so much that he did not want to leave. His parents bought him an accordion. He learned it very quickly from his teacher, Tan Jianmin. In March 1987, he won first prize at a children's accordion competition.
Yundi started playing the piano at age seven with Wu Yong. Two years later, Wu introduced him to Dan Zhaoyi, a famous piano teacher. Yundi studied with Dan for nine years. In 1994, Yundi joined Dan at the Shenzhen Arts School. He studied there for six more years. Famous music schools like the Eastman School of Music and Juilliard School wanted Yundi to study with them. Later, from 2001 to 2006, he studied with Arie Vardi in Germany.
Yundi Li's Amazing Career
Joining Deutsche Grammophon
Yundi became known worldwide after winning the XIV International Chopin Piano Competition in 2000. He was the first winner in 15 years and the youngest Chinese person to win. Since then, he has played with many top orchestras. These include the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and the Philharmonia Orchestra.
In 2001, Yundi was the first Chinese pianist to sign with Deutsche Grammophon (DG). He recorded only for them until 2008. His first album, Yundi Li: Chopin, was released by DG. It was very popular in Japan. Gramophone magazine praised his album, saying his playing was "beyond his teenage years."
Yundi played his first concert at Carnegie Hall in June 2003. This concert celebrated 150 years of Steinway & Sons pianos. The New York Times said he played Chopin and Liszt with "elegance and impetuosity." The next month, he played Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Philadelphia Orchestra. He also performed for officials at the Chinese Ambassador's home in the United States.
Deutsche Grammophon released Yundi's second album, featuring Liszt's music, in August 2003. The New York Times called it one of the "Best Classical CD's of the Year." This album also won the German Echo Klassik award. It was also nominated for an Edison Award. Musical America praised his playing of Liszt's B-minor Sonata, calling it "exquisite artistry." His third album, Chopin: Scherzi/Impromptus, came out in late 2004. It included Chopin's four scherzi and three impromptus. The New York Times praised his "white-hot virtuosity" and "uncanny clarity." In 2004, he also gave a concert in Vienna, playing music by Mozart, Scarlatti, Schumann, and Liszt.
Yundi finished his first North American tour in April 2004. He played to sold-out crowds in Boston, Vancouver, San Francisco, and New York. His New York debut recital was at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on April 24, 2004. He played Chopin scherzos and the Liszt sonata. The New York Times said Yundi's playing was "poetic" and "deeply considered." In May 2004, Yundi also gave concerts in Warsaw National Museum. These concerts were part of a cultural exchange between China and Poland.
In 2005, Yundi was the first Chinese pianist to be on the cover of the Wall Street Journal and Aera magazine. In November 2006, he became a resident of Hong Kong. He was one of the first people to get residency under a new program.
In 2007, Yundi was the first Chinese pianist to record live with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and Seiji Ozawa. Deutsche Grammophon released this recording. It included Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 2 and Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major. The album received great reviews. Gramophone magazine called it Editor’s Choice. The New York Times said it was one of the best classical CDs of the year.
Yundi is featured in a 2008 documentary called The Young Romantic: A Portrait of Yundi. It shows him working with Maestro Seiji Ozawa before his debut with the Berlin Philharmonic. In 2008, he was the first Chinese pianist to have a wax statue at Madame Tussauds. He also performed with the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra.
Working with EMI Classics
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In January 2010, Yundi signed a new recording contract with EMI Classics. He planned to record all of Chopin's solo piano music.
In March 2010, the Fryderyk Chopin Institute invited Yundi to perform. He played at The Memory Recital of Chopin's Birth 200th Anniversary Concert. This concert celebrated Fryderyk Chopin's 200th birthday during the Chopin Year.
Yundi gave a solo concert at the Royal Festival Hall in London on March 16, 2010. He played only Chopin pieces to a sold-out audience.
Back with Deutsche Grammophon
In May 2012, Yundi signed with Universal Music Group and started working with Deutsche Grammophon again. Deutsche Grammophon released his recording of Beethoven Sonatas in late 2012. This album was chosen as one of Classic FM's "Album of the Year 2013." It also sold very well in China. Yundi then released albums with music by Schumann, Chopin preludes, and Chopin ballades.
Yundi started his "Piano Dream" tour in his hometown, Chongqing, on August 19, 2013. He played in 30 cities over the next 80 days. Most of these cities were smaller ones. Yundi said he wanted to give more people a chance to enjoy classical music. He did not mind if some concert halls were not perfect.
On March 1, 2014, Yundi played a piano concert at Poland's National Philharmonic. This celebrated Chopin’s 204th birthday. Anna Komorowska, who was the First Lady of Poland, attended the concert.
In July 2015, Yundi went on a nine-concert tour with the National Youth Orchestra of the United States. The famous conductor Charles Dutoit led the orchestra. The tour started in New York and ended in Hong Kong. They also played six concerts in mainland China.
On October 30, 2015, Yundi was playing Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 in Korea. He was with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. During the performance, he had a small memory lapse. He quickly recovered and finished the piece smoothly with the conductor David Robertson. Yundi later apologized on his social media, saying he was tired from traveling. Critics praised his recovery, calling it a moment of "pure civility, decency and camaraderie."
In 2016, Yundi went on a Chopin world tour. This included concerts in Germany, Russia, and the United States. In March, he played an all-Chopin program at Carnegie Hall. The New York Times said he showed "a graduated array of colors and moods." On April 21, he performed in Dublin, Ireland.
In May 2017, the Yundi Art Museum opened in Chongqing, China. It shows pianos from different times in Yundi's career. It also has his awards, albums, and photos.
From August 29 to September 5, 2017, Yundi led the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra on a five-city tour in China. He played and conducted Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 and No. 2. This was Yundi's first time conducting. This tour celebrated 100 years since Poland regained its independence.
In November 2017, Yundi toured Germany and China. He played Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23 with Staatskapelle Dresden. On November 3, Yundi performed at a live concert in Beijing. This celebrated the 2017 League of Legends World Championship.
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In 2018, Yundi had successful concerts in Australia and New Zealand. He played Chopin's Piano Concertos Nos. 1 and 2 as both a soloist and a conductor.
Joining Warner Classics
In December 2019, Yundi signed with Warner Classics. He released a new album in January 2020. It featured Chopin’s Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2. For this album, he played the piano and conducted the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra at the same time. This album was chosen as one of the "Best of 2020" by the American Record Guide.
Yundi's Return: Mozart Tour (2023-Present)
Yundi started his comeback tour in 2023, called "YUNDI Plays Mozart The Sonata Project 1." In Adelaide, Australia, he played Chopin’s Nocturne In E Flat Major as an extra piece. His return tour was very successful.
From March to May 2024, Yundi went on a European tour. He visited cities connected to Mozart, like Vienna, Paris, and Berlin. He also released his newest album, Mozart: The Sonata Project - Salzburg. From September to October 2024, Yundi toured Asia, including Japan and Singapore.
In January 2025, Yundi will continue his Japan tour with four more concerts. This is because his earlier performances there were very popular.
On February 8, 2025, Yundi will hold a solo concert in Taipei, Taiwan. This will be his fourth visit to Taiwan. He has prepared a special extra piece for his fans there.
Yundi's Music Style and Skills
Yundi is known as one of the best players of Chopin's music. He is also famous for playing Liszt and Prokofiev. His performances of Mozart, Beethoven, Ravel, and Schumann have also received praise.
Playing Chopin's Music
Yundi's Chopin performances are called "poetic, romantic, light-touch, and uplifting." They are also described as "authentic and impeccable." The Telegraph said his playing was "beautifully polished and unfailingly elegant." BBC Music Magazine noted his "technically precise" approach with "virtuosic flair."
His technique in Chopin's pieces is described as having "all that’s needed in poetry and sensitivity." His touch is "perfect—never heavy."
Playing Liszt's Music
Yundi's Liszt performances are called "dazzling" and "heart-stopping beauty." His playing is said to be "smooth, with its flowing, impassioned rhythms." It offers a "complete and dynamic interpretation."
Playing Beethoven's Music
Jed Distler of Gramophone reviewed Yundi's ‘Moonlight’ Sonata. He noted the "swing and edge" in one part and the "unflappable security" in another.
Playing Mozart and Ravel's Music
Yundi's Mozart playing is described as "very graceful, extremely delicate and charming." His Ravel versions are seen as "exuberant" and "dreamy."
Playing Schumann and Prokofiev's Music
Yundi's Schumann performances are "tempered by good taste." He brings "a wider range of dynamics and dramatic characterization." He "excels in Prokofiev’s volatile, technically daunting Piano Concerto No. 2." He plays with "expansive lyricism" and "surging power."
Yundi's Awards and Honors
Winning Music Competitions
Yundi has won many top awards in different competitions. In 1994, he won the Children's Piano Competition in Beijing. In 1995, he got third place at the Stravinsky International Youth Competition. He won third prize at the Hong Kong - Asia Piano Open Competition in 1996. In 1998, he was third at the Missouri Southern International Piano Competition. The next year, he won third prize at the International Franz Liszt Piano Competition in Utrecht. He also won first prize in the China International Piano Competition. In 1999, he won first place at the Gina Bachauer Young Artists International Piano Competition.
In October 2000, Yundi represented China at the XIV International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw. He was the first person to win first prize (the gold medal) in 15 years. At 18, Yundi was the youngest and first Chinese winner in the competition's history. He also won a special prize for the "Best Performance of a Polonaise."
Special Awards and Recognitions
In 2003, Yundi’s album "Liszt" won the German Echo Klassik award. It also won the China Gold Record Awards. The New York Times named it one of the "Best CD of the Year." The album was also nominated for an Edison Award in 2004.
In 2005, Yundi won “Best New Classical Artist” at the XM Nation Music Awards.
In 2006, Yundi won the Nord/LB Artist Award.
In May 2010, the Polish Minister of Culture gave Yundi a Silver Medal for Merit to Culture - Gloria Artis. This was for his contributions to music.
The same year, the Polish government gave Yundi the world's first Chopin passport. This was for his work with Chopin's music.
In 2015, at age 33, Yundi was a judge at the XVII International Chopin Piano Competition. This made him the youngest judge ever for this competition.
In October 2019, Yundi received a Gold Medal for Merit to Culture - Gloria Artis from the Polish government. This was for his contributions to Polish culture.
In 2022, Yundi was chosen for the Honorary Board of the Summa Cum Laude Festival.
How Yundi Inspires Others
I'm inspiring a new generation who are hungry to learn music. I think that's my responsibility and it's my dream.
Yundi is a great example of how piano art is growing in China.
Yundi has also helped classical music grow in China. Since 2008, Rolex has sponsored Yundi. Part of this sponsorship helps fund music teaching in rural China. Yundi is a role model for many young musicians in China. He has inspired many to learn piano. He has also taught masterclasses at the Royal College of Music and University of Cambridge.
Yundi has promoted Chinese traditional music around the world. He has recorded traditional Chinese folk songs. He also recorded new songs to help share Chinese keyboard music.
Yundi's Albums
Yundi has released 16 studio albums. He has also contributed to five other albums and appeared in three videos. These include his concerts from 2005 and 2010, and his documentary The Young Romantic: A Portrait of Yundi.
Yundi signed with Deutsche Grammophon in 2001. He released his first album, Chopin, in early 2002. In 2003, Deutsche Grammophon released his second album, Liszt. The New York Times called it "Best CD of the Year." His 2008 album, Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 2 and Ravel's Piano Concerto in G major, was also named one of the best classical CDs of the year. Yundi recorded six studio albums with Deutsche Grammophon until October 2008.
In 2010, Yundi started recording with EMI Classics. He signed a contract to record all of Chopin’s solo piano works. His first EMI album, Chopin: Nocturnes, came out in March 2010. He later released Live In Beijing and Red Piano. He made three studio albums with EMI.
In May 2012, Yundi signed with Universal Music Group and worked with Deutsche Grammophon again. He then released albums like Beethoven, The art of YUNDI, and Chopin Preludes. He released five studio albums with them.
In December 2019, Yundi signed with Warner Classics. He released a new album in January 2020. It featured Chopin’s Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2. For this album, he played the piano and conducted the orchestra. Yundi released his newest album, Mozart: The Sonata Project - Salzburg, on April 5, 2024.
Yundi's albums have been very successful. They have appeared on Billboard charts, including the Top Classical Albums.
A Look into Yundi's Life
Yundi has a cat named Musigny. He enjoys listening to Verdi and drinking tea while listening to jazz. His role model is Chopin.
Yundi's Love for Food
“In fact, food can also bring out the feeling of music. For example, in French composer Ravel's classic piece Jeux d'eau, the last line is just like the disappearance of champagne bubbles.”
Yundi loves food from all over the world. He thinks that food can show the feeling of music. He especially likes crabs. He is also a good cook, especially of Sichuan cuisine like twice-cooked pork.
Helping Others Through Music
In 2001, Yundi gave some of the money from his first CD, “Yundi Li: Chopin,” to UNICEF. This helped children in poor areas of China.
After the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake, Yundi canceled his European concerts. He performed in a fundraising concert in Beijing to help. The money raised helped rebuild schools and offered support for children affected by the earthquake. On November 29, 2008, Yundi played a charity concert at the Bird’s Nest Stadium. This concert supported people with disabilities from the earthquake.
On January 11, 2011, Yundi gave a charity piano concert in Beijing. He told reporters, "Charity is just like music which comes from deep inside my heart." He was honored as the Music Ambassador of the Chinese Red Cross Foundation.
In 2016, Yundi worked with the I DO Fund of China Charity Federation. He helped build the first music classroom and library for a school in Tibet. This school is at the highest altitude (5373 meters) in Tibet. The music classroom was named after Yundi. On September 1, Yundi taught the Tibetan children to play the piano. He hoped to help them discover music.
See also
In Spanish: Li Yundi para niños
