Taking the baton

"We discussed this idea for a long time and in June the rehearsals started. We then recorded the concertos with Yundi, as the soloist and conductor. He had great support from all members of the orchestra. I hope the public in China will have the chance to hear and enjoy his interpretations of the concertos with our orchestra," says Nowak.

Wu Jiatong, the CEO of Wu Promotion, one of China's first private touring companies and promoters, who organized Li's tour, says: "I've known Li Yundi for many years and this tour, which sees him as pianist and conductor, will be a landmark in his career."

Besides winning the prestigious award, Li made his debut in the United States in 2003 at Carnegie Hall, where he performed Chopin's Piano Concerto No 1.

In April 2016, he gave an all-Chopin recital at the Royal Festival Hall in London with four ballades and 24 preludes.

He also released albums of the composer's music, including Chopin: Preludes in 2015 and Chopin: Ballades in 2016.

Li is considered one of the best interpreters of Chopin's music, as his playing is poetic and lyrical.

In 2015, he was one of the jurors of the 17th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition.

"Chopin's music is full of imagination, hope and love. My interpretations of his music have been different along the way. By conducting and playing the piano at the same time in a recital, I am able to deliver my understanding of the composer's music to the full extent," says Li.

The pianist also notes that his collaborations with renowned conductors enabled him to learn the skills required.

For example, Li performed with conductor Seiji Ozawa on his debut with Berlin Philharmonic in 2008.

"The conductor spent quite a long time working on the program and communicating with the orchestra. His attitude about being loyal to the composers really inspired me," Li says.

"I want to present authentic Chopin."

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn