New Chopin talent rises from Asia

Rather than opting for the usual practice of a brilliant finale, she said she curated pieces she loved dearly and intended to form a narrative in which the audience could "breathe with her".

"We began with something pure, simple and innocent, something to look forward to," she said. "Then we experienced life with fun, with love and heartbreak in the ballade, the excitement of young love in the Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise Brillante in E-flat Major, Op 22, and then we got to the 24 Preludes, Op 28, from No 19 to 24, and finished with the mazurka.

"It's very emotionally hard for me to play this program, because I sort of put in the three biggest works. We have a curve, but that's the curve that you have to work for," she added.

Sheng said Wang enjoys music and life, and is imaginative with an artistic temperament. Her music is touching, introspective and expresses her reflection on life. She plays an extensive repertoire, covering works by various composers and of different styles and genres.

He mentioned that, during their prolonged phone call after the final round, Wang said that despite the significance and prestige of the Chopin competition, playing works by only one composer doesn't fully showcase a pianist's overall skill. A good pianist should be well-rounded and capable of mastering different styles.

Wang's agent Zheng Jian has received a stream of concert invitations since the prize announcement. Zheng first noticed Wang during the previous Chopin competition and began collaborating with her soon after.

Her next performance back in China is scheduled for Nov 7 at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, during which she will be joining the performance of the chamber piece, Piano Quintet No 2 in A Major, Op 81, B155, by Antonin Dvorak.