Pianist will play 'hardest concerto'

To better understand music, Wang reads widely. She enjoys reading books on her "trusty" iPad during long flights.

Conducting himself with great passion

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Her broad range of knowledge can be shown through her Sina Weibo, China's Twitter-like service, where there are many posts of words of wisdom from thinkers in various fields from philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein (1889-1951) to movie director Woody Allen.

However, life is much more than practicing the piano and meditation for the outgoing, pretty girl with sassy-dyed short hair who often bursts into bubbling laughter during interviews.

Like most people her age, she loves movies, good meals and time with friends.

When asked if she yearns for love, the pianist is outspoken: "I'm a very normal young lady. Of course I yearn for love, as does anyone my age!"

In music critic Zhao's eyes, Wang is casual and acts appropriately for her age. She remains a lovely young woman in front of her family and friends, although she is powerful on stage.

"Wang hasn't become tired or slacked after staging more than 100 concerts a year, which is rare for a pianist," Zhao remarks.

"She doesn't play the role of a profound thinker on or off the stage. The straightforwardness in her personality is well manifested in her performance, which helps her win fans in the Age of Internet."

Wang is among the bunch of Chinese pianists who have claimed international success in recent years, including Lang Lang, Chen Sa, Li Yundi and Zhang Haochen.

"The international classical music scene is talking about a new term 'China's School'. However, we are still far away from establishing a school like Russian and French musicians have done," Zhao says.

IF YOU GO

Beijing: 7:30 pm, March 1-2. The National Center for the Performing Arts, 2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng district. 010-6655-0000.

Guangzhou: 8 pm, March 4. Xinghai Concert Hall, 33 Qingbo Lu (Road), Ersha Island, Yuexiu district. 020-8735-3869.