Lin Min

linmin67@hotmail.com

YI QUNLIN, a construction worker in Shenzhen, has received the prestigious invitation to attend the 2024 CCTV Spring Festival Gala, one of the most-watched TV shows in the country.

His rise to fame began when videos of his impromptu piano performances on a bustling pedestrian street in Huaqiangbei, home to one of the world’s largest electronics markets, went viral last year.

Adding to social media buzz, renowned pianist Lang Lang gave a thumbs-up to Yi’s “spirit of loving life” in a social media post, after Yi said during a visit to CCTV headquarters on Jan. 18 that he wished to have guidance from Lang.

Yi’s humble origins in an obscure village in Huarong County, Hunan Province, hearken back to his early days practicing piano. Over 20 years ago, he migrated to Shenzhen to work as a construction laborer, losing access to a piano. Unexpectedly, he found himself propelled into the spotlight after his son posted a video of his first impromptu performance in Huaqiangbei last summer on a social media platform.

In other countries, some ordinary individuals have also gained fame for their impromptu public piano performances. Donald Gould, a homeless U.S. military veteran, received widespread attention after a video of him playing a public piano in Sarasota, Florida, went viral in 2015. His incredible talent led to numerous media reports and ultimately, a scholarship to study music.

Henri Herbert, another pianist, gained attention after a video of him playing a public piano at London’s St. Pancras International train station went viral, leading to opportunities to perform professionally.

Yi’s journey to stardom had more to do with his background as a farmer-turned construction worker than his music talent. In China, playing the piano is deemed a costly hobby or profession, out of reach for low-income earners like Yi. Social media propelled him to fame as his image wearing worn-out worker outfits and a safety helmet presented a contrast against an elegant piano.

Yi’s journey speaks for the success of a street piano program initiated in Huaqiangbei in 2018. The program saw eight pianos placed along the 900-meter-long pedestrian street, offering passers-by the chance to play them free of charge.

This initiative has attracted a diverse group of music enthusiasts from various backgrounds and age groups. Among them is Wang Qihe, a 57-year-old decoration worker, who, along with others, regularly plays on the street pianos. They have formed a hobby community, presenting one or two amateur public concerts every week.

The street performances by average Shenzheners make Huaqiangbei more vibrant and enrich people’s lives.

Under another initiative, small smart piano rooms on the streets of Shenzhen enable people to freely play after making a reservation through a miniprogram or by scanning a QR code on a smartphone.

Covering an area of around 4 square meters, these intelligent piano rooms can accommodate two people simultaneously and are equipped with air conditioning and power outlets.

Since its introduction last year, these piano rooms have received enthusiastic support from the locals, with over 100,000 registered users.

Shenzhen has been diligently crafting a cultural identity amid rapid industrialization and technological innovation, integrating music, arts, reading, and design into its efforts. Signature events such as Shenzhen Design Week, Shenzhen Reading Month, Nanshan and Futian light shows, dance drama “Wing Chun,” Shenzhen Belt and Road International Music Festival, and Lianhuashan Glades Music Festival have successfully forged a cultural identity that the citizens feel proud of, contributing to Shenzhen’s cultural landscape.

Yet, there is more that can be done to engage citizens in cultural activities on a daily basis. Cities such as Bristol in the U.K. and Melbourne in Australia have embraced street art and graffiti, offering designated areas for artists to showcase their work. By endorsing public art, these cities have become renowned for their vibrant street art scenes. Similarly, cities like Chicago in the U.S. and Barcelona in Spain have proactively commissioned and installed public art throughout urban spaces, providing regular opportunities for citizens to interact with art.

The streets of Shenzhen are not only clean but also adorned with lush vegetation. However, there is potential for them to evolve into vibrant urban spaces with direct access to arts and culture.

(The author is a deputy editor-in-chief of Shenzhen Daily.)