Li Yundi (Chinese: 李云迪, pinyin: Lǐ Y�nd�) (born October 7, 1982) is a well-known young classical pianist. He is also popularly known by the Western iteration of his name, Yundi Li. Born in Chongqing, China, Li is most well known for being the youngest pianist to win the prestigious Chopin Piano Competition at the age of 18. Li currently resides in Hannover, Germany, where he studies with his teacher Arie Vardie at the Hannover Conservatory of Music.

Childhood

At the age of four, Li began to learn the accordion. Only one year later, he won the top prize at the Chongqing Children's Accordian Competition. Li began studying piano at the age of seven at his parents' request; two years later, he began to study with Dan Zhao Yi, one of China's most renowned piano teachers, his ambition already to become a professional pianist. In 1994, Li entered the junior high school associated with the Sichuan Music Academy.

Awards

Li has received top awards at various competitions. In 1995, he was awarded first place at the Stravinksy International Youth Competition. In 1998, he won the 1998 South Missouri International Youth Piano Competition. The next year, he won the Liszt International Piano Competition in Holland, and the China International Piano Competition. As well, he won first place at the Gina Bachauer Young Artists International Piano Competition.

In October 2004, Li participated in the 14th Chopin International Piano Competition in Warsaw. He was the first participant to be awarded the First Prize in 15 years, as well as the first Chinese gold medallist. Li was also given a Polonaise award by the Chopin Society for his performance at the competition.

Performing and Recording Career

Li's debut in the United States took place in June 2003 at Carnegie Hall, as part of Steinway and Sons' 150th Anniversary Gala. His USA concerto debut took place the next month, when he performed Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1. He was also honoured at a special reception at the home of the Chinese Ambassador to the United States, where he performed for various officials of the US State Department.

Currently, Li's performance programmes and records have consisted exclusively of works by Chopin and Liszt. His second recording of Liszt for Deutsche Grammophon, whom he still—as of 2004—currently records for, was released in August 2003 named "Best CD of the Year" by the New York Times for 2003. His third recording, consisting Chopin's four Scherzi, was released in fall 2004, and a new recording each year is planned until 2009.

External links

• Fan website (http://yundili.homestead.com/)