Music mavericks set the tone for China's next generation

Player, piano

Ruan Yangyang's humble origins in a small town in Zhangzhou, Fujian province, have been no impediment to his rapid rise in the world of classical music, attending a prestigious performance school in the United States and winning multiple international piano competitions.

"I want to bring music to children in rural areas who don't have exposure to it," the 24-year-old told China Daily. "I want them to know that their background doesn't define them. Every experience can shape them into someone special."

Neither of Ruan's parents was musically trained, but they became aware of his talent at a young age. Due to the lack of piano teachers in his hometown, he made weekly trips to another town for his musical education and piano training.

At the age of 9, Ruan was accepted into the Piano Academy at Gulangyu, Central Conservatory of Music, the youngest student to ever be admitted by the academy.

He continued his studies, and in 2017 was one of only two pianists accepted into the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a training ground for the most gifted young musicians from around the world.

He graduated in May 2023 and has won piano competitions in Switzerland, Portugal, Poland and the United Kingdom. He has performed with symphonies on concert stages around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York.

Ruan also has over 1.5 million followers on social media who he shares his love for music with, which, combined with his waif-like looks, make him a marketer's dream.

He has had collaborations with brands like Land Rover and Kawai, according to his official website, and made appearances at prestigious events such as the Silk Road International Film Festival, and the Tiffany & Co.gala, underscoring his "wide-reaching impact".

At a Feb 16 recital in Shanghai, his program bridged generations with the first five Chopin etudes honoring the classics, and the other seven "anime adaptations "that included Digimon Evolution and Howl's Moving Castle themes.

A China Association of Performing Arts report noted that young audience are more likely to buy tickets for "hybrid performances" like Ruan provided, rather than traditional formats, with frequent attendees rising, the report said.