East meets West across nature and the rhythm of changing seasons

"The violin is a wonderfully expressive instrument, and with this piece, I've sought to explore its full emotional depth," Lyu adds. "From the lively energy of spring to the stillness of winter, this piece pushes the violin's technical limits while connecting deeply with the soul."

Throughout music history, the theme of the "four seasons" has inspired some of the most iconic works — from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons to Haydn's oratorio Die Jahreszeiten (The Seasons), Tchaikovsky's The Seasons for piano, and Piazzolla's tango-infused The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires. These works celebrate the cyclical rhythms of nature and life.

When asked about his personal connection to the seasons and the one he enjoys the most, Lyu says: "If I had to choose, I'd say autumn. It's a season of warmth, reflection, and harvest. Spring is light and full of hope, summer can be chaotic, and winter is harsh. But autumn — autumn brings a sense of calm and fulfillment."

The Four Seasons of China is not merely a depiction of nature — it's a profound cultural expression. Wen, who spent a year crafting the piece, was inspired by Vivaldi, but his ambition extended far beyond a Western imitation.

In The Four Seasons of China, he translates the essence of Chinese agricultural life — its deep connection with the cycles of nature — into sound.

"The melodies evoke moments from daily life: the rain-soaked stillness of Qingming, the hum of cicadas in the summer heat, the harvest moon in autumn, and the quiet serenity of winter. Through these moments, I want to portray a sound-scape that encapsulates the soul of Chinese culture, blending folk elements with the grand structure of the concerto," the composer says.

During the European tour, Lyu envisioned a fusion of Chinese and European musicians. Musicians from Hungary's Liszt Ferenc Academy of Music in Budapest joined the ensemble on the tour's first stop, forming a diverse group to present the piece. In a remarkable blend of Eastern and Western traditions, the concert featured the world premiere of Hungarian composer Peter Stefan's The Hungarian Four Seasons for solo piano, performed by Hungarian pianist Kovacs Gergely, alongside The Four Seasons of China. These two groundbreaking works were presented together for the first time on the same stage, marking a milestone in cross-cultural musical exchange.

"These works represent not only the changing of seasons but also the shifting of cultural paradigms," says Lyu. "Through the violin and piano, we tell stories of nature, history and humanity's relationship with the world. I'm thrilled to bring these two very different musical works to the same stage, creating a new dialogue between the East and the West," he adds. Both pieces reflect their composers' deep engagement with their cultural roots, while their modern sensibilities offer a fresh exploration of the timeless "four seasons" theme.

Lyu, a junior prizewinner in the inaugural Yehudi Menuhin International Competition for Young Violinists, was invited in 1980 by Yehudi Menuhin to study violin in London at the age of 11. In 1987, he became the first Asian violinist to win a top prize at Italy's prestigious Premio Paganini International Violin Competition, which launched him into international stardom.

Lyu believes the European tour marked a significant moment for Chinese music. While Western classical music has had centuries to develop and evolve into its timeless masterpieces, contemporary Chinese music is still carving out its place on the global stage.

"Works like The Four Seasons of China offer a glimpse into the future of Chinese classical music — one that can stand proudly alongside the great works of the West, infused with the richness of Chinese culture and philosophy," Lyu says.

This European tour not only coincided with China's Spring Festival but also with the Winter Olympics in Milan. On Feb 5, Lyu performed in Turin, Italy.

"I believe that art and sports are inseparable," Lyu says. "People often say that culture and sports go hand in hand, and we truly enjoy sports. Personally, I have a deep love for sports, and so does my whole family. Although we all grew up learning the violin, I believe both music and sports share a common quality — they don't rely on words. They speak directly to the heart, resonating deeply with people's emotions. They ignite passion and energy, and inspire us to reach our fullest potential.

"For me, sports are not just about 'faster, higher, stronger'. In athletic competition, we seek something more — like in music, it's about integration and harmony. It's about emotional exchange and a sense of camaraderie. Ultimately, it leads to something even more significant — unity. Sports bring us together, just as music does, and that's what makes the Olympic spirit so special."