Often dubbed as the "Paganini of the East," Chinese violinist Lu Siqing has captivated British audiences with his recent performance in London celebrating China-UK ties.
CGTN’s correspondent Wang Qiwei sat down with him to hear about his musical journey.
#China #Violin
CGTN’s correspondent Wang Qiwei sat down with him to hear about his musical journey.
#China #Violin
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NewsTranscript
00:00A thriving journey of passion, intensity and mastery, narrated not with words, but with
00:12the sound of the strings. At the heart of these melodies is one of the world's most
00:17celebrated violinists, Lü Siqing. He started to play the violin at the age of four, and
00:23seven years later, he earned a place at the prestigious Yehudi Manuin School in the UK.
00:29It was a very fun time, and the one class I really, really loved was drama. Very good
00:34for music students. We are a performer, we are not only a player, so we need to learn
00:39how to present oneself on stage.
00:43At the age of 17, Lü's life took a pivotal turn when he became the first Asian violinist
00:49to win the prestigious Paganini Competition in Italy.
00:54From the concert halls of Europe to the grand stages of Asia, Lü's musical journey continues
01:03to thrive. But among his most iconic performances is his interpretation of The Butterfly Lovers,
01:13a tragic love story from a Chinese folktale.
01:16I think it's this universal appeal, and the beauty, and the melody, and the beauty of
01:24it, that really catches people. There's a lot of imaginations in the music. It's like
01:30the Chinese poem.
01:32How have you incorporated both Chinese and Western influences into your performances?
01:38When I perform, I'm naturally influenced by my heritage, my Chinese heritage. So maybe
01:46very sensitive, and maybe to paint like a picture, a Chinese painting.
01:54To have that kind of imagination, tenderness, and sensitivity.
02:01After decades of captivating global audiences, Lü began to pass down his knowledge to young
02:06talents who dream of following in his footsteps. He started a new role three years ago as the
02:12president of the Yehudi Menuhin School Qingdao in China.
02:17I think music is so great and is the treasure of mankind. We have to pass the torch to the
02:27younger generation to keep this treasure thriving.
02:32As he continues to inspire the next generation of musicians, he wants to prove that the violin
02:38is not just an instrument, but a voice that speaks across cultures.
02:43I think it's the best way to connect people's hearts. Once you learn music, you will have
02:50the best friend in your life. I often say that when everything happens, they're back
02:57on you. Music will always be at your side, no matter what.