Get to Know Young Concert Artists Winner, Violinist Lun Li

We got to know the violinist ahead of their concert recital at the Morgan Library on April 24 at 12 PM (ET), which will be streamed on The Violin Channel

 

Lun Li was the first prize winner of the 2021 YCA Susan Wadsworth International Auditions and made his recital debuts at both Merkin Concert Hall in New York and the Kennedy Center’s Terrace Theatre in Washington D.C.

An avid chamber musician, Lun will be a member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Bowers Program in 2024 and has participated in festivals including Marlboro Music Festival, the Verbier Music Festival Academy, Music@Menlo’s international program, and Music from Angelfire. Currently pursuing an Artist Diploma at The Juilliard School, Lun plays on the Stradivarius “Samazeuilh” 1735 violin, on generous loan from the Nippon Music Foundation.

His upcoming concert at The Morgan Library & Museum in New York will be streamed LIVE on The Violin Channel on April 24 at 12 PM (ET).

We got a chance to catch up with the young artist in advance of the event.

 

How would you describe your YCA experience? 

Terrific and exciting! I'm lucky to work with a wonderful team filled with youthful and positive energy.

 

What are your career goals at the moment? Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?

In 10 years I want to see myself working with lots of commissions and other types of artists particularly directors and set designers.

 

What advice would you give to a fellow musician in the early stages of their career? 

I tell myself to enjoy everything and treat every opportunity like the last one I have.

 

What lessons have you learned since starting to perform regularly?

Your heart should rule everything, not your brain.

 

What do you do to relax or take care of yourself outside of the practice room?

I sleep a lot. And go to as many shows and concerts as I can. I also like to go out to bars and restaurants.

 

What is your dream venue or instrument to play?

My dream venue is the Park Armory in New York, it would be wonderful to work with a full creative team together to present a dramatic concert there. I don't have a dream violin to play. But my dream instrument to play would be Electric Bass.

 

What is your favorite repertoire to play and why?

My favorite composer at this moment is Bartok. I love everything he writes. I'd love to play his Piano Concerto No.3 but I can't play the piano. I'd love to conduct The Miraculous Mandarin if I ever get there in the future.

 

What would you do if you weren’t a musician?

I'd love to be a film director.

 

What has been your most cherished musical experience/performance so far?

Playing Beethoven's Symphony 9 at a beautiful cathedral when I was young. I think I cried while playing because I was overwhelmed by the powerful feeling of unity from the entire orchestra and chorus coming together.

 

Any upcoming concert you’re most excited about?

On April 24, at 12pm at the Morgan Library in New York! It’s an hour-long through-lined solo violin recital where I will be playing half of the program on a Baroque violin and the other half on a modern violin. I'll also be working with a lighting designer, and the plot of the recital is about perpetual motion and time including works by Bach, Batrtok, Eccles, Glass, Lark and others.