VC Young Artist Christian Li’s New Album, “Tchaikovsky”

Released on Decca Classics, the album features Christian performing with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and Vasily Petrenko

VC Young Artist Christian Li has announced his third album release “Tchaikovsky” on Decca Classics. In 2021, he topped the UK Classical Charts with his debut release, from which he became the youngest artist to record Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.

His new all-Tchaikovsky album is centered around the composer’s cornerstone Violin Concerto, which sees Christian perform with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Vasily Petrenko. 

With pianist Nicky Eimer, Christian performs the Russian Dance (from Swan Lake, Op. 20); Waltz of the Flowers (from The Nutcracker Suite, Op.71.a); Valse Sentimentale, Op. 51 No. 6; Valse-scherzo, Op. 34; and Nocturne, Op. 19 No. 4.

To purchase and listen to the album, click here. 

“I fell in love with Tchaikovsky’s music when I was very young, particularly with his ballets,” Christian said in a press release. “My fascination began after watching The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty. 

“When I was around 11 years old, my violin teacher gave me a book about Tchaikovsky, which captivated me with stories of his life and intricacies of his personality — sensitive, sentimental, conflicted, and a perfectionist,” he continued. “As I listened to and later played his works, I strived to understand and convey the delicate complexity of emotions he so beautifully expressed. 

“Today it’s an absolute dream come true to present my third album featuring one of my favourite works: Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. Recording this piece with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra under the masterful baton of Vasily Petrenko has been one of the most extraordinary experiences in my life. 

“I’m also extremely happy to be sharing two fantastic transcriptions of Nocturne op. 19 no 4 and Valse Sentimentale along with a new arrangement of The Waltz of the Flowers which holds a special place in my heart — I love its graceful charm and hope it brings you the same joy, inspiring you to dance and spin along with its captivating melodies.”

A video of Christian performing the third movement of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto can be viewed below. 

In 2018, Christian became the youngest-ever winner of the Menuhin Competition when he was awarded the joint Junior First Prize at age 10. Since then, he has also become the youngest artist ever to sign with Decca Classics.

Since 2021, he has been the Young Artist in Association with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO), which will perform Korngold’s Violin Concerto with him this season. His other upcoming concerts include a European tour with Australian Youth Orchestra and David Robertson, a return performance with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, a debut with the Sofia Philharmonic, and recitals in China.

He is currently studying with Dr. Robin Wilson at the Yehudi Menuhin School and receives mentorship from David Takeno in London. 

Christian uses a bow by François Peccatte and performs on the 1737 ex-Paulsen Guarneri del Gesù violin — on loan from a generous benefactor.