Chinese pianist Li Yundi will perform Chopin’s ballades and preludes at the Shenzhen Concert Hall on June 29.

    In 1994, he entered Shenzhen Arts School and later studied at the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media in Germany. Li is most well-known for being the youngest pianist to win the International Frederic Chopin Piano Competition, in 2000, at the age of 18.

    Li has received top awards at various competitions. In 1995, he was awarded first place at the Stravinsky International Youth Competition. In 1998, he won the 1998 Missouri Southern International Piano Competition (Junior Division).

    The next year, he took third prize at the International Franz Liszt Piano Competition of Utrecht, as well as being a major winner in the China International Piano Competition. He also won first place at the Gina Bachauer Young Artists International Piano Competition.

    In 2000, Li was the first participant to be awarded the first prize at the International Frederic Chopin Piano Competition in 15 years. At 18 years of age, he was the youngest winner — and the first Chinese — in the competition’s history. Li was given the Polonaise Award by the Chopin Society for his performance at the competition. Soon after, Li sought out pianist Arie Vardi as an instructor.

    Li’s debut in the United States took place in June 2003 at Carnegie Hall, as part of Steinway and Sons’ 150th Anniversary Gala. Li’s second recording of Liszt for Deutsche Grammophon, for whom he exclusively recorded until November 2008, was released in August 2003 and was named the Best CD of the Year by The New York Times.

    His third recording, comprising Chopin’s four Scherzi and three Impromptus, was released in late 2004. He is scheduled to release a recording of Beethoven sonatas in late 2012 for Deutsche Grammophon. He has also given a recital in the renowned Musikverein in Vienna, performing works by Mozart, Scarlatti, Schumann, and Liszt.

    In January 2010, Li signed an exclusive recording contract with EMI Classics with plans to record the complete works for solo piano by Chopin.

    Time: 8 p.m., June 29

    Tickets: 180-1,280 yuan

    Reservations: 400-610-3721

    Venue: Shenzhen Concert Hall, intersection of Hongli Road and Yitian Road, Futian District (福田区红荔路和益田路交汇处深圳音乐厅)

    Metro: Longhua or Longgang Line, Children’s Palace Station (少年宫站), Exit D(SD News)