Violin superstar Lü Siqing—China’s first Paganini Competition gold medalist—teams up with piano phenom Jin Wenbin for Love: Between Sea and Homeland, a nostalgic night of Chinese classics. Expect fiery Guarneri violin tones (that’s his 1734 “ex-Ricci” treasure) and poetic piano dialogues, from The Butterfly Lovers to folk-inspired Xinjiang dances. Pure musical storytelling, no words needed.

Lü Siqing – Internationally acclaimed violinist and president of the Qingdao Yehudi Menuhin School. As the first Eastern musician to win the top prize at Italy’s Paganini International Violin Competition, Lü stands as one of China’s most celebrated and active violinists today. His passionate performances and unparalleled musicality have captivated audiences across 40+ countries, earning him praise as "a remarkable virtuoso" by international critics.

Beyond his global concert appearances, Lü has served as artistic director for the National Centre for the Performing Arts’ "May Music Festival," now a world-renowned chamber music event. He has also juried prestigious competitions like the Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition and Shanghai Isaac Stern International Violin Competition. His brainchild, the "Lü Siqing Futian International String Music Week" in Shenzhen, brings together elite string players and educators annually.

Honored with the Montblanc de la Culture Arts Patronage Award, U.S. Congressional certificates, and even a "Lü Siqing Day" in Millbrae, California (Sept 16, 2006), he performs on the 1734 "ex-Ricci" Guarneri del Gesù violin.

Jin Wenbin – Chinese pianist and prodigy from Yanbian, Jilin. Admitted to the Central Conservatory at 12 (ranking first nationwide), he later became Yale School of Music’s youngest piano master’s candidate under Boris Berman, then earned a doctorate at New England Conservatory with Chen Hung-Kuan.

The only pianist to top all three Chinese ministry-certified international competitions, Jin now directs the performing arts program at Beijing’s Keystone Academy. His students regularly win global contests and scholarships, while his instructional series on Tencent Arts attracts millions of young pianists.

Programme:

"Love: Between Sea and Homeland" – Lü Siqing Violin Recital
Violin: Lü Siqing
Piano: Jin Wenbin

First Half
Qin Yongcheng: Tone Poem of Seashore
Ma Sicong: Nostalgic Song
Lei Zhenbang: Why Are The Flowers So Red
Du Mingxin: Selections from Ten Xinjiang Dances

• Maira
• Dudar and Maria
• Celebrative Singing and Dancing
  Zhao Jiping: Violin Concerto No. 1

Intermission (15’)

Second Half
He Zhanhao & Chen Gang: "The Butterfly Lovers" Violin Concerto

Programme subject to change

• Jazz & Concerts