International piano sensation YUNDI treated Abu Dhabi Festival audiences to a beautiful programme of romantic Beethoven sonatas and signature works by Chopin during a breathtaking recital last night at the Emirates Palace. Feted around the world as one of the greatest interpreters of Chopin, YUNDI received a standing ovation in Abu Dhabi in appreciation of his technically precise yet passionate performance.

An awe-struck, sell-out crowd of music lovers experienced his spectacular interpretations including those of Chopin’s Nocturne No.1 in B flat minor and Beethoven’s Sonata No.8 ‘Appassionata’. Following the intimate recital, the characteristically modest YUNDI spoke with members of the audience about the challenges of interpretation, his inspiration and journey into music, the rigours of world touring and the importance of music in the education of young people.

Commenting after the performance Her Excellency Mrs Hoda I. Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival said: “YUNDI has shown us the incredible intensity and enthusiasm for which he is renowned, opening our audience’s hearts and minds to sounds that were composed centuries ago on a far-away continent. Throughout the Festival’s ten years, we have endeavored to bring artists of this caliber to Abu Dhabi, not simply as a marker of prestige but to celebrate the joy of mankind’s universal heritage of music to the fullest, and to instill a love of music in young people that will remain throughout their lives. It is a privilege to have YUNDI here to celebrate our decennial edition. “

Born in Chongqing, China, YUNDI won the 2000 Chopin International Piano Competition in Warsaw at only 18 years of age. He has since played with the world’s most prestigious orchestras, such as the Berliner Philharmoniker, National Symphony Orchestra (Washington), and Rotterdam Philharmonic, in such venues as Carnegie Hall, London’s Royal Festival Hall, Suntory Hall in Tokyo, and Beijing’s National Centre for the Performing Arts.

Following from his Abu Dhabi engagement, YUNDI will continue his 15-city tour of Europe’s most prestigious concert halls to promote his latest CD with Deutsche Grammophon comprising of a collection of Beethoven’s most Romantic sonatas, which has just been released on March 22nd.

This year’s landmark 10th edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival continues until March 31, celebrating the best in international and regional dance, opera, music, and visual arts. Information on tickets, schedules, venues and upcoming performances can be found on the festival website: www.abudhabifestival.ae.

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