A Spanish serenade for Shenzhen

"The pentatonic scale in Chinese music very much influenced impressionists and Spanish composers of the late 19th century and beginning of the 20th century. It was the fashion of the time for Western impressionists to borrow many things from Asian music. So impressionist music owes a lot to Chinese and Asian music, and Spanish composers were also very much influenced by this," he says. "Moreover, both Chinese and Spanish music are born out of our traditions, of our dances and our unique and special instruments. We are both very rich countries in terms of folklore."

According to French newspaper Le Monde, Perez is known for his virtuosity, colorful playing and ability to clearly communicate to his public, and he is considered one of the most exceptional artists of his generation.

"The message I think music gives is much higher and stronger than we can ever describe. It is said that it cures. It puts us at peace. It comforts our solitude, our insides, our soul," he says. "I always try to bring to my audience the work of the great masters, and to allow everybody to experience its message in the particular moment, in that particular hall, and with that particular audience."

Perez began to learn to play the piano with his father, who introduced him to Canzone Napoletana — a traditional genre of Neapolitan song that emerged in Naples in the 19th century — when he still didn't know how to read music.

When Perez was 15, he was accepted into the Reina Sofia School of Music in Madrid where, as he says, he "had to make many decisions".

"My professor, Dmitri Bashkirov, asked me why I wanted to learn to play the piano. I, then a 15-year-old boy, answered: 'I want to be the best pianist!' He replied: 'I don't know if you'll be the best, but maybe one of the best. Will you work like crazy?'. I answered: 'Yes!'," Perez says.

He also mentions that he met the legendary pianist Alicia de Larrocha for the first time when he was 16 during a master class and went on to work with her until the end of her life.

"Alicia de Larrocha was one of the greatest pianists ever in Spain's history. I was very lucky to work with her for many years, from 1994 to 2006," he says.

"Perez's playing is not only technically excellent but also deeply moving, fully displaying the beauty and depth of Spanish music. As a universal language, music can transcend linguistic, cultural and geographical barriers, fostering closer connections between artists and audiences from different countries," says Yang Suxian, director of the organizing committee of the Shenzhen Piano Music Festival. "Through the platform of the festival, musical and cultural exchange between Shenzhen and Spain have become increasingly vibrant."

Since its inception 12 years ago, the Shenzhen Piano Music Festival has been dedicated to promoting international musical and cultural exchange.

Contact the writer at chennan@chinadaily.com.cn