Silver-haired pianist amazes music lovers with classics

World
Europe

Since last year, Wu Yili, one of the world's oldest pianists, has become a new icon among China's music lovers. She arrived in Beijing earlier this year for a recording session with China's leading TV broadcaster. The 87-year-old supplied the piano accompaniment for the world-renowned violinist Lv Siqing in a rendition of "Butterfly Lovers," one of the best known Chinese melodies.

A poster for CCTV’s variety show “Everlasting Classics” with Wu Yili standing in the middle. /CCTV Photo

In 1959, following the composition's successful debut as a violin concerto, Wu Yili was the first to arrange it for piano accompaniment. Her effort has made it accessible to a wider audience.

Wu Yili was a prominent member of the first generation of musicians after the founding of New China. Born in 1931, she became a professional pianist at the age of 18. In her 20s she was recognized as a first-rate instrumentalist of the nation.

Wu Yili plays the piano at a concert. /CCTV Photo

Over the decades, she has been an accomplished concert pianist. Known as an active music educator, she has taught numerous students. They often remind her of her first encounter with piano music when she was six years old.

"In the movie there was a white-haired gentleman. He played a melody again and again throughout the movie, so I couldn't forget it. Only later did I learn that it was a theme from a piano piece by Chopin. So I pleaded with Mom to let me learn (to play the) piano. I worked very hard as I promised. That's how I got started," she said.

Wu Yili at a concert /CCTV Photo

In 1983, Wu went to the United States for further study, before settling in Singapore. There she lived alone and devoted all her time and energy to teaching the piano.

In 2008, at the age of 77, she released her first piano album, which was followed by more successful collections. In playing and teaching, she's found fulfillment.

She said that her greatest wish is to continue playing the piano and she wanted to bring more piano music into people's heart.