*********************************************************

Li Yundi's triumph in the 14th Chopin International Piano Competition, held in October 2000 in Warsaw, Poland, turned him into international fame overnight. The 18-year old pianist is the first Chinese who won the Gold Medal in this prestigious international piano competition. He is also the youngest champion in this competition and the first pianist to be awarded the gold medal since 1985.

In a joint venture with the Community Chest, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will proudly present a piano recital by Li Yundi at 7:30pm on January 7, 2001 (Sunday) in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall. During the recital, Li will perform an all-Chopin programme, including "Nocturne in C minor, Op. 48, No. 1", "Scherzo No. 2 in B flat minor, Op. 31, No.2", "Ballade No. 4 in F minor, Op.52", "Andante Spianato e Grande Polonaise, Op. 22", "Four Mazurkas, Op. 33" and "Piano Sonata No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58". Local audience should not miss the chance to meet this young virtuoso.

Born in Chongqing, Sichuan, Li Yundi started accordion lessons at the Sichuan Children's Palace when he was four. He switched to piano at seven, under the tuition of Wu Yong. When he was nine, the piano professor Dan Zhaoyi took him as a student. Since 1994, Li has won several international piano competitions, including a third in Liszt Piano Competition in Holland and a gold medal at the Gina Bachauer Young Artists International Piano Competition in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Tickets priced at HK$220, $160 and $100 will be available at all URBTIX outlets from December 7 onwards, with half price concessions for senior citizens, people with disabilities and full time students. A 10% discount is available for "Friends of Hong Kong Cultural Centre". As it is a joint venture between The Community Chest and the LCSD, part of the tickets will be reserved for charity purpose.

Programme enquiries can be made on 2734 2935 while ticketing enquiries and reservations on 2734 9009.

End/Thursday, November 30, 2000

NNNN