Chopin and changing

Besides his live performances, he is giving master classes to young music learners during the tour.

"There are many new concert halls popping up around the country and I have not performed in many of the cities before," says Li.

"Every moment before I walk onto the stage, I see the lights through the stage door and hear the applause of the audience. I have no idea what is going to happen, which makes me nervous and excited."

The repertories the pianist chose to play during the tour reflect his growth and transformation as an artist, he says.

Many enthusiastic young people attended his concerts, and shared with him their own understanding of the pieces, which he calls "impressive and encouraging".

"I told them to enjoy music and not to force anything. Let the music speak for itself," Li says.