Sir András Schiff. Photos courtesy of Shenzhen Concert Hall

This evening, Sir András Schiff, hailed as "one of the greatest pianists of our time," will grace the stage of the Shenzhen Concert Hall.

His soul-stirring piano recital will mark the grand opening of the concert hall's piano series for the year. Expect a dazzling lineup that includes Eric Lu, Yuja Wang, Zhang Haochen, Kirill Gerstein, Khatia Buniatishvili, Jan Lisiecki, Aristo Sham, Shen Lu, Wong Ka-Jeng, Colleen Lee, and Rachel Cheung.

Born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1953, Schiff studied piano at the Liszt Ferenc Academy with Pal Kadosa, Gy?rgy Kurtág, and Ferenc Rados; and in London with George Malcolm.

Throughout his career, he has performed cycles of complete Beethoven sonatas and the complete works of J.S. Bach, Haydn, Schubert, and Bartók. Having collaborated with the world’s leading orchestras and conductors, he now focuses primarily on solo recitals, play-conducting appearances, and exclusive conducting projects.

In recent years, Schiff no longer announces his recital programs in advance. Instead, during rehearsals on the day of the performance, he decides the evening’s repertoire that best suits the piano he’s going to play and the venue's acoustics. 

In the months that followed, the concert hall will invite top-tier pianists from different generations and schools to perform.

Eric Lu.

On May 10, the newly crowned Chopin International Piano Competition winner, Eric Lu, will take the stage. Playing with a maturity and delicacy beyond his years, Lu is also the top prize winner of the Leeds International Piano Competition. Signed to Warner Classics, he has embarked on a career collaborating with the world's leading orchestras and has been lauded as “one of the leading interpreters of Schubert today.” 

Yuja Wang.

On May 29, phenomenal pianist Yuja Wang promises a musical feast with her unmatched virtuosic energy. With astonishing, superhuman technique and control, she can turn even the most difficult repertoire into a celebration. Whether it's thunderous, extreme virtuosity or complex modernist works, she handles them all with effortless ease. 

Zhang Haochen.

On June 14, Zhang Haochen promises to inject profound philosophical contemplation and epic grandeur into his performance. As the first Asian pianist to win the gold medal at the Van Cliburn Competition, he is hailed as a “scholar-pianist possessing both exquisite technique and profound thinking.” 

Aristo Sham.

On June 26, the 17th Van Cliburn Competition winner Aristo Sham will make his debut at the Shenzhen Concert Hall. Under the passionate baton of maestro Roberto Abbado, he will perform alongside Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. 

Kirill Gerstein.

On Sept. 26, Kirill Gerstein will make his Shenzhen debut. Named a Gramophone "Top 50 Greatest Pianists" and one of the "Top 10 Busiest Pianists Globally" in 2024, the versatile pianist is best known for blending classical and jazz repertoire. For this visit, he will challenge himself with a program of Liszt’s timeless masterpieces. 

On Oct. 17, Shen Lu, a pianist based in the U.S., will return to the Shenzhen Concert Hall, paying homage to Brahms with his profound skill and extraordinary technique. Balancing immense power with delicate sensitivity, he will peel back the reserved restraint and fervent passion hidden within Brahms’ dense textures. 

On Nov. 13, Khatia Buniatishvili, a superstar of classical music, will make her Shenzhen debut. This special prize winner of the Horowitz Competition and two-time ECHO Klassik award winner promises to wow fans with her extreme emotional tension and astonishing command of the instrument.

On Dec. 5, three pianists from Hong Kong — Wong Ka-Jeng, Colleen Lee, and Rachel Cheung — will perform together. They will collaborate with the Atlas Ensemble for a special concert commemorating Mozart. 

On Dec. 12, Canadian pianist Jan Lisiecki will make his Shenzhen debut. This musician, known for possessing “extraordinary poise and rich imagination,” will weave a gentle, romantic “Evening of Dances” for the local audience.

Venue: Shenzhen Concert Hall, Futian District (深圳音樂(lè)廳)

Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children’s Palace Station (少年宮站), Exit D