The 1820s to 1920s: From Europe to North America
Featured as a rising star in BBC Music Magazine, Chinese pianist Siqian Li brings elegance, dynamism and exceptional musical quality to her performances. Commended for her ‘virtuosity and talent’ (Annecy Classic Festival), her ‘huge emotional range and effortless pianistic control’ (Paul Lewis CBE), and her ‘graceful and touching’ (Emanuel Ax) approach, Siqian has appeared in concerts and recitals around the world.
She has performed at international concert halls including the Bridgewater Hall, Beijing Forbidden City Concert Hall, Tokyo Ginza Yamaha Concert Hall, Cairo’s Arabic Music Institute and Boston’s Jordan Hall, and in more unusual settings, with recitals at London’s 1901 Arts Club, the ever charming Fidelio Cafe and Luke Jerram’s breathtaking Gaia The Earth Exhibition. Consistently active on the festival circuit, Siqian has also given recitals at Festival d’Auvers sur-Oise, Dinard Festival International de Musique, Lancaster Music Festival, Shanghai International Music Festival, and BNP Paribas Rising Star Piano Festival.
A keen collaborator, Siqian collaborated with Latvian violinist Roberts Balanas on his debut album, which was released on Linn Records in 2021 and has surpassed 150k plays on Apple Music. Elsewhere, Siqian has collaborated with a wide range of musicians worldwide, from the principals of the China National Symphony Orchestra to violinist Jack Liebeck.
The level of depth Siqian brings to her musical exploration, coupled with her shining pianism, has led to her winning numerous awards, including first prizes in the Chappell Medal Piano Competition 2020, the Imola International Piano Competition, Yamaha China Piano Competition Conservatoire, and the Grand Prix at the Krainev International Piano Competition, amongst others. Siqian was also a semi-finalist of the Leeds International Piano Competition in 2018.
In 2022, Siqian performed live on BBC Radio 3 - In Tune and appeared on BBC Radio London - The Scene.
Studied Music at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing with professor Huiqiao Bao, Siqian became the first pianist to be awarded the “Best of the Best - Top and Innovative Talent” diploma and scholarship from China’s Ministry of Culture. She then went on to obtain a Master of Music Degree and a Graduate Diploma at the New England Conservatory in Boston in the class of professor Alexander Korsantia, before receiving an Artist Diploma at the Royal College of Music in 2020 under the tutelage of professor Norma Fisher.