Yundi

{{short description|Chinese pianist (born 1982)}} {{Western name order|Li Yundi}} {{family name hatnote|Li ({{noitalic|{{linktext|lang=zh|李}}}})|lang=Chinese}} {{good article}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2025}} {{Infobox person | name = Yundi Li | native_name = {{nobold|李云迪}} | image = Yundi in 2019, with Steinway Piano (cropped).jpg | caption = Yundi in 2019 | birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1982|10|7}} | birth_place = Chongqing, Sichuan, China<!--do NOT remove Sichuan. At the time Chongqing was still a part of Sichuan Province--> | death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|df=yes|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (enter DEATH date then BIRTH date (e.g., ...|1967|8|31|1908|2|28}} use both this parameter and |birth_date to display the person's date of birth, date of death, and age at death) --> | death_place = | alma_mater = {{flatlist| * Shenzhen Arts School * Hochschule für Musik Hannover }} | years_active = 1994–present | occupation = Pianist | citizenship = Hong Kong<ref name=citizenship/> | awards = First Prize at XIV International Chopin Piano Competition (2000) | honours = [[File:POL Srebrny Medal Zasłużony Kulturze Gloria Artis BAR.png|40px|Silver Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis]] [[File:POL Złoty Medal Zasłużony Kulturze Gloria Artis BAR.png|40px|Gold Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis]] | signature = | module = {{infobox musical artist | embed = yes | genre = Classical | instrument = Piano | label = {{flatlist| * Deutsche Grammophon * EMI Classics * Warner Classics}} | website = {{URL|http://www.yundimusic.com/}} }} }}

'''Yundi Li''' ({{lang-zh|s=李云迪|t=李雲迪|p=Lǐ Yúndí}}; born 7 October 1982), also mononymously known as '''Yundi''' (stylized as '''YUNDI'''), is a Chinese classical concert pianist. Yundi is considered one of the greatest contemporary interpreters of Frédéric Chopin and is also especially known for his interpretations of Franz Liszt and Sergei Prokofiev.

Yundi rose to fame for being the youngest pianist, at the age of eighteen, to win first prize at the International Chopin Piano Competition in 2000. In 2015, he also served as the competition's youngest-ever juror. In recognition to his contribution to Chopin pieces, the Polish government awarded Yundi with the world's first Chopin passport (''Chopinowskie paszporty''). Yundi is also the first Chinese recipient of both Silver (2010) and Gold (2019) Medal for Merit to Culture - Gloria Artis issued by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of Polish government, in regards to his contribution to both music and Polish culture.

Yundi has promoted Chinese national music worldwide, as well as the development of classical music in China, both by his influence and philanthropy. In 2021, he was detained by Beijing police on allegations of soliciting prostitution and was subsequently removed from the Chinese Musicians’ Association. In 2022, a document released by the United States Department of Justice stated that derogatory information about him “may have been manufactured”. He resumed his performing career in 2023 with a comeback tour in Australia and has since returned to major international venues, including Carnegie Hall.

==Early life and education== Yundi Li was born in Chongqing, Sichuan, China on 7 October 1982.<ref name="AllMusic">{{cite web |author=Robert Cummings |title=Yundi Li |work=AllMusic |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/yundi-li-mn0002209910/biography |access-date=29 April 2022 |archive-date=29 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429193656/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/yundi-li-mn0002209910/biography |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Lee2001">{{cite web |author=Alan Lee|date=18 January 2001 |title=Champion pianist inspires students at exchange forum |work=South China Morning Post |url=https://www.scmp.com/article/337077/champion-pianist-inspires-students-exchange-forum |access-date=5 May 2024 }} {{subscription required}}</ref> Both his father, Li Chuan ({{lang|zh-Hant|李川}}), and his mother, Zhang Xiaolu ({{lang|zh-Hant|张小鲁}}), worked for the Chongqing Iron and Steel Company.<ref>{{cite web |title=李云迪的铁腕母亲张小鲁：'家长的毅力就是孩子的动力。' |trans-title=Zhang Xiaolu, Li Yundi's iron-fisted mother: “The perseverance of parents is the motivation of their children.”|publisher=Sohu |language=Chinese |url=https://www.sohu.com/a/341160224_120190981 |access-date=5 May 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Vivien Pik-Kwan Chan|date=21 October 2000|title=Shenzhen pianist shows forte |newspaper=South China Morning Post |page=5 |location=Hong Kong}}</ref> Although his family was not musically inclined, he began a formal music education at a very young age. At age three, he was so enchanted by an accordion performance at a shopping mall that he refused to leave.<ref>{{cite news|author=Melinda Bargreen|date=10 April 2005|title=Piano prodigy loves what he is doing, as his brilliance attests|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/piano-prodigy-loves-what-he-is-doing-as-his-brilliance-attests/|work=The Seattle Times|access-date=6 February 2024|archive-date=6 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206023139/https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/piano-prodigy-loves-what-he-is-doing-as-his-brilliance-attests/|url-status=live}}</ref>, and his parents subsequently bought him an accordion. He studied with Tan Jianmin, a local music teacher, learning the instrument so quickly that he won the top prize at the Chongqing Children's Accordion Competition in March 1987.<ref name="Yomiuri">{{cite news|author=Yukiko Kishinami| title =Piano prodigy restores luster to Chopin competition| page =1|work=Yomiuri Shimbun| date =3 May 2001}}</ref>

Yundi began studying piano with Wu Yong at the age of seven. Two years later, Wu introduced him to Dan Zhaoyi, a well-known piano teacher, with whom he studied for nine years.<ref name="Globe">{{cite news|author=Colin Eatock| title =Pianist as pop star. Is Yundi Li better than Lang Lang? He says he doesn't care| page =R1| work =The Globe and Mail| location =Canada| date =13 February 2008| url =https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/pianist-as-pop-star/article1051260/| access-date =30 March 2016| archive-date =1 August 2016| archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20160801070914/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/pianist-as-pop-star/article1051260/| url-status =live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Artistic Director |publisher=CSIPCC Organizing Committee Office |url=https://www.csipcc.com.cn/about-us/artistic-director/ |access-date=5 May 2024 }}</ref> In 1994, Yundi enrolled at the {{ill|深圳藝術學校|zh|lt=Shenzhen Arts School}} to join Dan, who had recently taken up a position there, with whom he studied for the next six years.<ref>{{cite web |title=特写："钢琴神童"李云迪震惊世界的背后 |url=https://ent.sina.com.cn/s/m/32532.html |website=新浪网 |publisher=生活时报 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010223215021/https://ent.sina.com.cn/s/m/32532.html |archive-date=23 February 2001 |language=chinese |date=12 February 2001|trans-title=Close-up: Behind the scenes of "piano prodigy" Yundi Li who shocked the world}}</ref> Yundi attracted interest from renowned schools of music, including the Eastman School of Music and Juilliard School,<ref name="okla">{{cite web |title=Piano Prodigy To Visit|url=https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1999/06/28/piano-prodigy-to-visit/62237430007/ |publisher=The Oklahoman|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402071546/https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1999/06/28/piano-prodigy-to-visit/62237430007/ |archive-date=2 April 2024 |date=28 June 1999 |url-status=live}}</ref> and was invited to study at the latter by Jerome Lowenthal.<ref name="book">{{cite book |title=但昭义钢琴艺术人生 |date=1 November 2011 |publisher=上海音乐出版社 |page=153|language=zh|trans-title=Dan Zhaoyi's Life for the Art of Piano|isbn=9787807518730}}</ref> From 2001 to 2006, he studied under Arie Vardi at the Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover in Hannover, Germany.<ref>{{cite web |title=Arie Vardi: An artist's only competition is against himself |url=http://www.szdaily.com/content/2011-11/03/content_6199718.htm |work=Shenzhen Daily |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120727214745/http://www.szdaily.com/content/2011-11/03/content_6199718.htm |archive-date=27 July 2012 |date=3 November 2011}}</ref> == Career == ===2000–2009: Signing with Deutsche Grammophon=== Yundi has gained international recognition since winning the XIV International Chopin Piano Competition in 2000, as he became the first competitor to be awarded the First Prize in 15 years since Stanislav Bunin won it in 1985,<ref name="competitions">{{cite web |title=Teen's Golden Note |url=http://edition.cnn.com/ASIANOW/asiaweek/magazine/2000/1103/as.people.html |publisher=CNN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110131153428/http://edition.cnn.com/ASIANOW/asiaweek/magazine/2000/1103/as.people.html |archive-date=31 January 2011 |date=3 November 2000}}</ref> as well as the youngest and first Chinese first-prize winner.<ref name="ch c">{{cite web |title=Winner of Chopin Competition 2000: Yundi Li – first time in California |url=https://polishmusic.usc.edu/newsletter/2001/july-2001/ |website=Polish Music Center |access-date=28 February 2022 |archive-date=13 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220613185733/https://polishmusic.usc.edu/newsletter/2001/july-2001/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Since then, he has collaborated with such international orchestras as the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra,<ref name="ber">{{cite web |title=EditorsChoice: Prokofiev Piano Concerto No 2, Op 16 Ravel Piano Concerto |url=https://gramophone.net/Issue/Page/May%202008/79/746668/Prokofiev%E2%80%A2Ravel%2BProkafiev%2BPiano%2BConcerto%2BNo%2B2%2C%2BOp%2B16%2BRavel%2BPiano%2BConcerto |work=Gramophone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100125030513/https://gramophone.net/Issue/Page/May%202008/79/746668/Prokofiev%E2%80%A2Ravel+Prokafiev+Piano+Concerto+No+2%2C+Op+16+Ravel+Piano+Concerto |archive-date=25 January 2010 |date=May 2008 |url-status=dead|author=Bryce Morrison}}</ref> the Leipzig Gewandhausorchester, Mahler Chamber Orchestra, and Philharmonia Orchestra.<ref name="bi">{{cite web |title=Yundi Biography |url=https://www.deutschegrammophon.com/en/artists/yundi/biography |website=Deutsche Grammophon |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127123657/https://www.deutschegrammophon.com/en/artists/yundi/biography |archive-date=27 November 2020}}</ref>

In 2001, Yundi became the first Chinese pianist signed by Deutsche Grammophon (DG)<ref name="Prize Winning Pianist Releases CD"/> recording exclusively for DG until 2008.<ref name="bi"/> On December 19, 2001, his first album ''Yundi Li: Chopin'' was released simultaneously in Beijing and globally.<ref>{{cite web |title=打造新世纪肖邦 李云迪个人专辑全球同步发行 |url=https://ent.sina.com.cn/c/i/2001-12-18/67308.html |website=Sina |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020210000121/http://ent.sina.com.cn/c/i/2001-12-18/67308.html |archive-date=10 February 2002 |language=zh |date=18 December 2001 |trans-title=Yundi Li's Album Launched Globally}}</ref> In Japan, it sold 200,000 copies,<ref name="Prize Winning Pianist Releases CD">{{cite web |title=Prize Winning Pianist Releases CD |url=http://www.china.org.cn/english/MATERIAL/24235.htm |website=China.org.cn |access-date=11 April 2022 |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055414/http://www.china.org.cn/english/MATERIAL/24235.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> and in Hong Kong, it broke platinum sales within 10 days of release,<ref>{{cite web |title=钢琴王子李云迪12月25日西单签售新专辑 |url=https://ent.sina.com.cn/c/i/2002-12-24/1746121727.html |publisher=Beijing Evening News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021225175322/http://ent.sina.com.cn/c/i/2002-12-24/1746121727.html |archive-date=25 December 2002 |language=zh |date=24 December 2002 |trans-title=Piano Prince Yundi Li holds a new album autograph signing at Xidan on December 25th}}</ref> for which it also won the {{ill|IFPI香港唱片銷量大獎|zh|lt=IFPI Hong Kong Top Sales Award}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=李云迪激情揭幕“盛宴李斯特”系列演出 |url=https://culture.ifeng.com/gundong/detail_2011_04/21/5893828_0.shtml |website=ifeng |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260420092516/https://culture.ifeng.com/gundong/detail_2011_04/21/5893828_0.shtml |archive-date=20 April 2026 |language=zh |date=21 April 2011 |trans-title=With passion, Yundi Li opens the 'Liszt' series of concerts.}}</ref> In its review ''Gramophone'' praised his DG début album for faithfully mirroring "his unequivocal triumph" in every recording. "Everything is naturally and enviably proportioned (a rare but necessary attribute in the ever-elusive Chopin)‚ everything fuelled alike by a style and poise way beyond his teenage years".<ref>{{cite web |title=Chopin Piano Works |url=https://www.gramophone.co.uk/review/chopin-piano-works-74 |website=Gramophone |access-date=7 October 2022 |archive-date=7 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007190743/https://www.gramophone.co.uk/review/chopin-piano-works-74 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Yundi made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2003, performing in a concert celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Steinway & Sons. Bernard Holland of ''The New York Times'' wrote: "Yundi Li, a young but seasoned competition gladiator, played Chopin and Liszt with a promising mix of elegance and impetuosity."<ref name="AllMusic"/><ref name="chopin and liszt">{{cite web |title=Music Review; A Tribute Not to Artists But to the Piano They Play |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/09/arts/music-review-a-tribute-not-to-artists-but-to-the-piano-they-play.html |website=The New York Times |date=9 June 2003 |access-date=14 August 2022 |archive-date=14 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814190001/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/06/09/arts/music-review-a-tribute-not-to-artists-but-to-the-piano-they-play.html |url-status=live |author=Bernard Holland }}</ref> His United States orchestral debut took place the next month, when he played Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Philadelphia Orchestra.<ref>{{cite web |title=Li Yundi |publisher=The Kennedy Center |location=Washington, D.C. |access-date=19 May 2020 |url=https://www.kennedy-center.org/artists/y/yo-yz/li-yundi/ |archive-date=8 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208051651/https://www.kennedy-center.org/artists/y/yo-yz/li-yundi/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He was also honored at a special reception at the home of the Chinese Ambassador to the United States, where he performed for various officials of the US State Department.<ref name="US">{{cite web |title=美国名流感受中国'钢琴王子'李云迪风采 |url=https://ent.sina.com.cn/2003-07-20/1101173517.html |publisher=China News Service |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030801132442/https://ent.sina.com.cn/2003-07-20/1101173517.html |archive-date=1 August 2003 |language=chinese |date=20 July 2003|trans-title=American gentry experience the style of China's "Piano Prince" Li Yundi}}</ref>

Deutsche Grammophon released Yundi's second recording, ''Yundi Li: Liszt'', in August 2003, which was named among the "Best Classical CD's of the Year" by ''The New York Times''.<ref name="NY Times">{{cite web |author=Allan Kozinn|title=The Best Classical CD's of 2003; Liszt: Piano Sonata In B Minor; Other Works |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/21/arts/the-best-classical-cd-s-of-2003-liszt-piano-sonata-in-b-minor-other-works.html |work=The New York Times |access-date=15 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101122105326/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/12/21/arts/the-best-classical-cd-s-of-2003-liszt-piano-sonata-in-b-minor-other-works.html |archive-date=22 November 2010 |date=21 December 2003}}</ref> This album also won the German Echo Klassik Solistische Einspielung des Jahres ({{Translation|Solo Recording of the Year}}) and the Chinese Gold Record Award, as well as nominated for Edison Award's Instrumentale Solorecitals ({{Translation|Instrumental Soloist}}).<ref>{{cite web |title=My first choice is Steinway |url=https://www.steinway.com/artists/yundi-li |website=Steinway & Sons |access-date=13 February 2022 |archive-date=13 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220213140414/https://www.steinway.com/artists/yundi-li |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name ="Edison">{{cite web |title=Nominaties Edison Classical Music Awards 2004 |url=https://www.opusklassiek.nl/actueel-archief/edisonklassieknominaties2004.htm |website=OpusKlassiek |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603134948/https://www.opusklassiek.nl/actueel-archief/edisonklassieknominaties2004.htm |archive-date=3 June 2016 |language=nl |date=24 March 2004 |url-status=live}}</ref> Harris Goldsmith of ''Musical America'' wrote that it "includes perhaps the finest account of the B-minor Sonata I have ever heard—[it] is, if anything, light years ahead in patrician elegance: exquisite artistry from one of the greatest talents to surface in years—nay, decades."<ref>{{cite web |title=Young Artists: The Thrill of Discovery |url=https://www.musicalamerica.com/features/?fid=98&fyear=2004 |website=MusicalAmerica |access-date=14 March 2022 |archive-date=11 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611124344/https://www.musicalamerica.com/features/?fid=98&fyear=2004 |url-status=live }}</ref> His third recording, ''Chopin: Scherzi/Impromptus'', comprising Chopin's four scherzi and three impromptus, was released in 2004. Anthony Tommasini of ''The New York Times'' praised Yundi's recording for "white-hot virtuosity" and "uncanny clarity".<ref>{{cite web |title=Classical Music: Classical Recordings |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/16/arts/classical-music-classical-recordings-105643.html |website=The New York Times |author=Anthony Tommasini|date=16 January 2005 |access-date=28 February 2022 |archive-date=28 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228175529/https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/16/arts/classical-music-classical-recordings-105643.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Also in 2004, Yundi gave a recital at the Musikverein, Vienna, performing works by Mozart, Domenico Scarlatti, Robert Schumann, and Liszt.<ref name="first world tour">{{cite web |author1=赵蕾 |title=首次安排完整世界巡演计划 李云迪：从上海启程 |url=https://www.chinanews.com.cn/n/2004-01-13/26/391069.html |publisher=China News Service |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040117024118/http://www.chinanews.com.cn/n/2004-01-13/26/391069.html |archive-date=17 January 2004 |language=Chinese |date=13 January 2004|trans-title=Arranging a complete world tour plan for the first time, Yundi Li: Starting from Shanghai}}</ref>

In April 2004, Yundi completed his North American debut recital tour, which included sold-out performances in Boston, Vancouver, San Francisco, and New York.<ref>{{cite web |title=Li Yundi |url=https://www.kennedy-center.org/artists/y/yo-yz/li-yundi/ |website=The Kennedy Center |access-date=19 May 2020 |archive-date=8 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208051651/https://www.kennedy-center.org/artists/y/yo-yz/li-yundi/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He made his New York recital debut at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on 24 April, performing Chopin scherzos and the Liszt sonata, among other pieces. Reviewing this recital, Allan Kozinn of ''The New York Times'' wrote: "Mr. Li deals in a more poetic, deeply considered pianism, delivered without extraneous gestures and body language. One thing Mr. Li showed was that thoughtful interpretation can be every bit as virtuosic and exciting as the showier variety."<ref>{{cite web |title=Music Review; Pianism at the Poetic End, Not the Physical |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/28/arts/music-review-pianism-at-the-poetic-end-not-the-physical.html |website=The New York Times |date=28 April 2004 |access-date=14 March 2022 |archive-date=14 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314161126/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/28/arts/music-review-pianism-at-the-poetic-end-not-the-physical.html |url-status=live |author=Allan Kozinn }}</ref> In May, Yundi gave concerts at the National Museum in Warsaw, representing cultural exchange between China and Poland.<ref name="speech">{{cite web |title=Wizyta oficjalna Przewodniczącego Chińskiej Republiki Ludowej z Małżonką – oficjalny obiad |url=https://www.prezydent.pl/kancelaria/archiwum/archiwum-aleksandra-kwasniewskiego/aktualnosci/rok-2004/wizyta-oficjalna-przewodniczacego-chinskiej-republiki-ludowej-z-malzonka-oficjalny-obiad,29616,archive |publisher=Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland|trans-title=Official visit of the Chairman of the People's Republic of China with his wife – official dinner|language=pl |date=8 June 2004}}</ref>

thumb|left|Yundi in 2005

In 2005, Yundi became the first Chinese pianist to appear on the cover of ''Wall Street Journal'' and ''Aera'' magazine.<ref name="Wall Street Journal">{{cite news |author=Laura Santini |title=A Classical Movement In China Gives Pianist Rock-Star Status |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB112778208940352843 |access-date=6 February 2024 |archive-date=6 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206055024/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB112778208940352843 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Yundi |url=https://www.hkphil.org/artist/yundi |website=Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240321132107/https://www.hkphil.org/artist/yundi |archive-date=21 March 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> He obtained Hong Kong residency in 2006 and was among the first group of successful applicants under the recently announced Quality Migrant Admission Scheme.<ref name=citizenship>{{cite news |title=Pianist Li Yundi becomes a Hong Kong resident |newspaper=South China Morning Post |page=2 |location=Hong Kong |date=16 January 2007|url=https://www.scmp.com/article/578848/brief|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621205130/https://www.scmp.com/article/578848/brief|archive-date=21 June 2021}}</ref> In 2007, Yundi became the first Chinese pianist to record live with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and Seiji Ozawa. Deutsche Grammophon released Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 2 and Maurice Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major, which garnered positive reviews: named Editor's Choice by ''Gramophone''<ref name="ber"/> and praised by ''The New York Times'' as one of the best classical CDs of the year.<ref>{{cite web |title=Pianist Yundi |url=https://www.medici.tv/en/artists/yundi-li/#:~:text=Yundi%20has%20released%20eight%20CDs,Editor's%20Choice'%20by%20Gramophone%20Magazine. |website=Medici.tv |access-date=29 April 2022 |archive-date=25 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325145831/https://www.medici.tv/en/artists/yundi-li/#:~:text=Yundi%20has%20released%20eight%20CDs,Editor's%20Choice'%20by%20Gramophone%20Magazine. |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="AllMusic"/> Bryce Morrison of ''Gramophone'' wrote that "his performance of the Prokofiev, in its prodigious, unflagging power and brilliance, far surpasses any other in the catalogue".<ref>{{cite web |author=Bryce Morrison |title=Prokofiev Piano Concerto No 2; Ravel Piano Concerto |url=https://www.gramophone.co.uk/review/prokofiev-piano-concerto-no-2-ravel-piano-concerto |work=Gramophone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306010818/https://www.gramophone.co.uk/review/prokofiev-piano-concerto-no-2-ravel-piano-concerto |archive-date=6 March 2016 |date=May 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Yundi is the subject of the 2008 documentary ''The Young Romantic: A Portrait of Yundi Li'', directed by Barbara Willis Sweete. This documentary "captures the poetic intensity of this young virtuoso as he works with the great Maestro Seiji Ozawa to prepare for his debut with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra".<ref name="irish"/> In 2008, he became the first Chinese pianist to have a wax sculpture at Madame Tussauds.<ref>{{cite web |title=李云迪蜡像揭幕 中国钢琴家进驻"杜莎夫人 |url=https://yule.sohu.com/20080426/n256528428.shtml |publisher=sohu |date=26 April 2008 |access-date=6 February 2024 |archive-date=6 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206060527/https://yule.sohu.com/20080426/n256528428.shtml |url-status=live|trans-title=Li Yundi wax figure unveiled, Chinese pianist stationed at Madame Tussauds}}</ref> The same year he appeared among ''Pennington Great Performers'' with the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra.<ref name="baton">{{cite web |title=Superstar Pianist Shares Stage With Baton Rouge Symphony|url=https://www.225batonrouge.com/article/superstar-pianist-shares-stage-with-baton-rouge-symphony-2 |publisher=225 Magazine |access-date=15 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215074549/https://www.225batonrouge.com/article/superstar-pianist-shares-stage-with-baton-rouge-symphony-2 |archive-date=15 February 2024 |date=1 April 2008}}</ref>

On 31 December 2008 and 1 January 2009, Yundi performed as a soloist at the National Centre for the Performing Arts New Year's Concert, playing the second and third movements of Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 with conductor Daniel Harding and the China National Symphony Orchestra, for which they received the warmest applause of the evening. As an encore, he performed a Chopin nocturne, a piece for which he was known.<ref>{{cite web |title=丹尼尔-哈丁执棒新年音乐会(图) |url=https://ent.sina.com.cn/y/2009-01-01/16202324651.shtml |publisher=Beijing Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260422163447/https://ent.sina.com.cn/y/2009-01-01/16202324651.shtml |archive-date=22 April 2026 |language=zh |date=1 January 2009 |trans-title=Daniel Harding Conducts New Year's Concert (Photo)}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=李云迪国家大剧院跨年音乐会再展辉煌(图) |url=https://ent.sina.com.cn/y/2009-01-05/21462329554.shtml |website=sina |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260308215901/http://ent.sina.com.cn/y/2009-01-05/21462329554.shtml |archive-date=8 March 2026 |language=zh |date=5 January 2009 |trans-title=Yundi Shines Again at NCPA New Year's Eve Concert (Photo)}}</ref> His recitals in South Korea on 15 February 2009 at Goyang Aram Nuri in Gyeonggi Province and on 18 February 2009 at the Seoul Arts Center marked six years since his last performance in the country, having spent the intervening period touring Europe and North America. The programme included works by Chopin, Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, and Wang Jianzhong's Five Yunnan Folk Songs. Regarding Pictures at an Exhibition, Yundi noted that because the piece was inspired by paintings, the performance should be vivid like observing an actual exhibition, expressing a variety of paintings marked by solemnity, confidence, sorrow, and gaiety. He also stated that he had long been a fan of Chinese folk music and works by contemporary Chinese composers, and he described the Five Yunnan Folk Songs as coming from China's most exotic region, Yunnan, a quality that he felt translated into the piece.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Lee Hyo-won |title=Pianist Yundi Li Back After 6 Years to Give Recitals |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/k-pop/20090210/pianist-yundi-li-back-after-6-years-to-give-recitals |publisher=The Korea Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260422163226/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/k-pop/20090210/pianist-yundi-li-back-after-6-years-to-give-recitals |archive-date=22 April 2026 |date=10 February 2009}}</ref>

Additionally, the documentary ''The Young Romantic: A Portrait of Yundi Li'' was a top winner at the Gemini Awards in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Jennie Punter |title=First batch of Geminis handed out |url=https://variety.com/2009/tv/news/first-batch-of-geminis-handed-out-1118010223/ |publisher=Variety (magazine) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260424132706/https://variety.com/2009/tv/news/first-batch-of-geminis-handed-out-1118010223/ |archive-date=24 April 2026 |date=21 October 2009}}</ref> It won four awards, which are Best Performing Arts Program, Best Direction in a Performing Arts Program, and Best Photography and Best Picture Editing in a Comedy, Variety, or Performing Arts Program.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hot Box: TV worth talking about |publisher=Toronto Star |date=23 October 2009 |page=45 |quote=Li Documentary: Bravo! will broadcast a documentary on Chinese pianist Yundi Li at 8 p.m. on Monday. The Young Romantic: A Portrait of Yundi Li won four Gemini Awards this week, for Best Performing Arts Program, Best Direction in a Performing Arts Program, and Best Photography and Best Picture Editing in a Comedy, Variety or Performing Arts Program.}}</ref> It was also nominated for the Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature at the Palm Springs International Film Festival.<ref>{{cite web |title=20th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Announces Festival Winners|publisher=Palm Springs International Film Festival|url=http://www.psfilmfest.org/news/detail.aspx?NID=195&year=2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211162209/http://www.psfilmfest.org/news/detail.aspx?NID=195&year=2009 |archive-date=11 February 2009 |date=19 January 2009}}</ref> ===2010–2018: Signing with EMI Classics and return to Deutsche Grammophon === [[File:The Memory Recital of Chopin's Birth 200th Anniversary Concert, Chopin Year (Chopin and his Europe) 2010.png|thumb|right|Yundi performing at the Memory Recital of Chopin's Birth 200th Anniversary Concert, Chopin Year 2010]]

In 2010, Yundi signed an exclusive recording contract with EMI Classics with plans to record Chopin's complete solo piano works.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://newswire.scena.org/2010/03/emi-classics-signs-chinese-pianist.html/|title= EMI Classics Signs Chinese Pianist Yundi|access-date= 22 March 2010|date= 22 March 2010|publisher= LSM Newswire |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100731105303/http://newswire.scena.org/2010/03/emi-classics-signs-chinese-pianist.html|archive-date= 31 July 2010|url-status= dead}}</ref>

Also in 2010, the Fryderyk Chopin Institute invited Yundi to perform at The Memory Recital of Chopin's Birth 200th Anniversary Concert, in celebration of Chopin's 200th birthday at Chopin Year.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland |title=Galowy koncert symfoniczny z okazji 200. rocznicy urodzin Fryderyka Chopina |url=https://www.prezydent.pl/kancelaria/archiwum/archiwum-lecha-kaczynskiego/aktualnosci/rok-2010/galowy-koncert-symfoniczny-z-okazji-200-rocznicy-urodzin-fryderyka-chopina,24046,archive|language=Polish |date=1 March 2010|trans-title=Gala symphonic concert on the occasion of the 200th anniversary of Fryderyk Chopin's birth}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Poland Sales Manual Chopin Year 2010 |url=http://www.poland.travel/en/files/PDF/Manual_v2.pdf |website=Poland Travel (EN) PROD |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009222931/http://www.poland.travel/en/files/PDF/Manual_v2.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2015 |pages=28}}</ref> Yundi performed a solo recital at the Royal Festival Hall in London on 16 March 2010. He played a repertoire of Chopin pieces in a sold-out concert.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.london-insider.co.uk/2010/03/review-piano-maestro-li-yundi-royal-festival-hall/|title= Review: Piano Maestro Li Yundi, Royal Festival Hall|access-date= 18 March 2010|date= 16 March 2010|publisher=The London Insider|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100327170020/http://www.london-insider.co.uk/2010/03/review-piano-maestro-li-yundi-royal-festival-hall/|archive-date= 27 March 2010|url-status= dead}}</ref>

In May 2012, Yundi officially signed with Universal Music Group and collaborated with Deutsche Grammophon once again.<ref name="gramophone.co.uk"/> Deutsche Grammophon released his recording of Beethoven sonatas in 2012.<ref name="gramophone.co.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.gramophone.co.uk/classical-music-news/pianist-yundi-is-back-with-deutsche-grammophon|title=Pianist Yundi is back with Deutsche Grammophon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181109235246/http://www.gramophone.co.uk/classical-music-news/pianist-yundi-is-back-with-deutsche-grammophon |archive-date=9 November 2018|website=Gramophone|date=4 May 2012}}</ref> It was chosen as one of Classic FM's "Album of the Year 2013" and attained Platinum status in China.<ref>{{cite web |title=Yundi Returns with New Album |url=https://www.musicalamerica.com/news/newsstory.cfm?storyid=31554&categoryid=5&archived=0 |website=Musical America |access-date=17 February 2022 |archive-date=17 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217172420/https://www.musicalamerica.com/news/newsstory.cfm?storyid=31554&categoryid=5&archived=0 |url-status=live }}</ref> Yundi then released, ''The Art of Yundi'' (2013), containing recordings of the Schumann Fantasie as well as Chopin preludes, ballades, berceuse, and mazurkas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deutschegrammophon.com/en/cat/result?ART_ID=LIYUN|title=Yundi Discography|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170106010314/http://www.deutschegrammophon.com/en/cat/result?ART_ID=LIYUN |archive-date=6 January 2017|website=Deutsche Grammophon}}</ref>

Yundi launched his "Piano Dream" national tour in Chongqing on 19 August 2013, and brought his music to 30 cities in the next 80 days. Most of those cities were second or third-tier,<ref>{{cite web |title=Li Yundi launches national tour in Chongqing |url=http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2013-08/20/content_29769435.htm |website=China.org.cn |access-date=21 June 2022 |archive-date=20 August 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130820122208/http://china.org.cn/arts/2013-08/20/content_29769435.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> and in response to questions from media and public, Yundi said it was not demeaning for him to perform in second and third-tier cities and he did not mind the less ideal conditions of some concert halls; he simply wanted to provide more people with an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of classical music.<ref>{{cite web |title=Li Yundi: It is not degrading to perform in second and third tier cities (in Chinese) |url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/y/2013-08-02/15433979024.shtml |publisher=Sina Corp |access-date=21 June 2022 |archive-date=7 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207163018/http://ent.sina.com.cn/y/2013-08-02/15433979024.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:Yundi at 204th anniversary concert of Fryderyk Chopin's birth, with First Lady Anna Komorowska.webp|thumb|right|Yundi with First Lady Anna Komorowska in 2014]] On 1 March 2014, Yundi performed a piano recital at the Poland's National Philharmonic, celebrating the 204th anniversary of Chopin's birth. Anna Komorowska, then First Lady of Poland, attended the concert.<ref name="204 Chopin's anniversary">{{cite web |title=Pierwsza Dama na koncercie z okazji 204. rocznicy urodzin Fryderyka Chopina |url=https://t.prezydent.pl/kancelaria/archiwum/archiwum-bronislawa-komorowskiego/malzonka/kronika/pierwsza-dama-na-koncercie-z-okazji-204-rocznicy-urodzin-fryderyka-chopina,19698 |publisher=Chancellery of the President of the Republic of Poland |language=pl |date=1 March 2014|trans-title=The First Lady at a concert celebrating the 204th anniversary of Fryderyk Chopin's birth}}</ref>

In July 2015, Yundi embarked on a nine-concert tour with the National Youth Orchestra of the United States led by conductor Charles Dutoit. Comprising mainly the orchestra's debut performances in Asia, the tour started at Purchase College's Performing Arts Center in New York City, performed at Carnegie Hall as the second stop, and ended in Hong Kong. The other six concerts were given in mainland China.<ref>{{cite web |title=NYO-USA China Tour 2015 |url=https://www.carnegiehall.org/About/Press/Press-Releases/2019/08/22/NYO-USA-China-Tour-1-7-2015 |access-date=29 January 2022 |archive-date=29 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220129014105/https://www.carnegiehall.org/About/Press/Press-Releases/2019/08/22/NYO-USA-China-Tour-1-7-2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 30 October of the same year, while performing Frédéric Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in Korea, Yundi suffered a memory lapse.<ref>{{cite web |title=李雲迪為演奏失誤致歉 |url=https://www.cyberctm.com/zh_TW/news/detail/1029788 |publisher=Macao Daily News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318054945/https://www.cyberctm.com/zh_TW/news/detail/1029788 |archive-date=18 March 2024 |language=chinese |date=3 November 2015|trans-title=Yundi Li apologizes for performance mistake}}</ref> He subsequently performed the piece smoothly again with conductor David Robertson and the orchestra.<ref name="review">{{cite web |author=Leta Keens |title=Yundi plays Chopin (Sydney Symphony Orchestra) |url=https://limelight-arts.com.au/reviews/review-yundi-plays-chopin-sydney-symphony-orchestra/ |work=Limelight |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240222112402/https://limelight-arts.com.au/reviews/review-yundi-plays-chopin-sydney-symphony-orchestra/ |archive-date=22 February 2024 |date=4 November 2015}}</ref> Yundi apologised for his mistake on his weibo, saying it was because of travel fatigue.<ref>{{cite web |title=윤디, 한국공연 실수 '매우 죄송'…'여행 피로에 지쳐 실수' |url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20151102198800089 |work=Yonhap News Agency |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240318054441/https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20151102198800089 |archive-date=18 March 2024 |language=Korean |date=2 November 2015|trans-title=Yundi, "I'm very sorry" for mistakes in Korean performance... "A mistake due to travel fatigue" |author1=정주호 }}</ref> Limelight reviewer deemed the performance to be a stellar interpretation of Chopin and a "reminder that the gods are, in fact, human, and all the more heroic for that". <ref name="review"/> left|thumb|300px|Yundi conducting in 2018 concert In 2016, Yundi went on a Chopin world tour encompassing Germany, Russia, and the United States.<ref name="irish">{{cite web |title=The making of a genius, China-style |url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/the-making-of-a-genius-china-style/34591401.html |work=Irish Independent |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612104159/https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/the-making-of-a-genius-china-style/34591401.html |archive-date=12 June 2023 |date=4 April 2016}}</ref> In March, he performed an all-Chopin program in Carnegie Hall, with an encore of Ren Guang's ''Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon''. Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim of ''The New York Times'' wrote, "he showed off a graduated array of colors and moods, including moments of understated simplicity and tenderness light-years removed from his high-decibel image".<ref name="NY">{{cite web |author=Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim |title=Review: Yundi Plays Chopin at Carnegie Hall |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/25/arts/music/review-yundi-plays-chopin-at-carnegie-hall.html |work=The New York Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325180626/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/25/arts/music/review-yundi-plays-chopin-at-carnegie-hall.html |archive-date=25 March 2016 |date=24 March 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> On 21 April, he performed at the National Concert Hall of Dublin.<ref name="irish"/>

On 8 May 2017, Yundi attended the opening ceremony of the Yundi Art Museum, in the Chongqing Huangjueping Piano Museum – the largest piano museum in China. He performed two pieces at the ceremony.<ref name="mus">{{cite web |author1=刘波 |title=李云迪艺术馆昨日开馆 周二周三上午免费开放 |url=http://epaper.cqcb.com/html/2017-05/09/content_232840.htm |publisher=Chongqing Morning Post |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124135534/http://epaper.cqcb.com/html/2017-05/09/content_232840.htm |archive-date=24 January 2018 |language=zh |date=9 May 2017 |trans-title=Yundi Art Museum Opens Yesterday, Free Admission on Tuesday and Wednesday Mornings}}</ref> It displays several pianos from different stages of Yundi's career, including his first piano (purchased by his parents when he was seven years old), as well as a collection of his awards, albums and photographs, and a high-tech experience pavilion.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://english.cqnews.net/html/2017-05/10/content_41569957.htm |title=Li Yundi Art Museum opened |access-date=31 May 2017 |archive-date=18 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170818093924/http://english.cqnews.net/html/2017-05/10/content_41569957.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Upon seeing the old piano, Yundi played an impromptu piece on it, marking the first time he had touched the instrument in 24 years.<ref name="mus"/> The museum integrates piano art with high‑technology features: in the Piano Ensemble Conductor Experience Hall, a visitor may place any score that Yundi has performed onto the conductor's podium, and the system automatically recognizes the page and plays the music; in the Dapeng Wings Multimedia Hall, a touchscreen interface allows a three‑dimensional presentation of Yundi's career and recreates important concert moments.<ref>{{cite web |title=李云迪艺术馆九龙坡重庆黄桷坪钢琴博物馆开馆 |url=https://cq.cri.cn/20170509/e7ddaf3b-b4c3-6f50-1afd-a2482c1ba403.html |publisher=Chongqing Daily |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200725033509/http://cq.cri.cn/20170509/e7ddaf3b-b4c3-6f50-1afd-a2482c1ba403.html |archive-date=25 July 2020 |language=zh |date=9 May 2017 |trans-title=Yundi Art Museum Opens at Chongqing Huangjueping Piano Museum in Jiulongpo}}</ref> Yundi stated his hope that the museum would encourage children to develop an interest in the piano and cultivate their artistic taste. He also noted that learning the piano can improve a child's concentration, that piano examinations are not the sole purpose of studying the instrument, and that both children and parents should regard such exams with moderation, prioritizing the enhancement of cultural cultivation.<ref name="mus"/>

From 29 August to 5 September 2017, Yundi led the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra on a five-city concert tour in China, performing Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1 and No. 2 as both pianist and conductor. It was his conducting debut.<ref>{{cite web |title=Taking the baton |url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201708/21/WS59bb716ba310d4d9ab7e7d75.html |website=China Daily |access-date=6 February 2022 |archive-date=6 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206032954/http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/201708/21/WS59bb716ba310d4d9ab7e7d75.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This tour was the first of a series of events commemorating the 100th anniversary of Poland's regained independence.<ref>{{cite web |title=Yundi and Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra In-concert |url=http://www.eyeshenzhen.com/content/2017-08/10/content_16971614.htm |website=Eyeshenzhen |access-date=6 February 2022 |archive-date=6 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220206033735/http://www.eyeshenzhen.com/content/2017-08/10/content_16971614.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Upon seeing the old piano, Yundi played an impromptu piece on it, marking the first time he had touched the instrument in 24 years. The museum integrates piano art with high‑technology features: in the Piano Ensemble Conductor Experience Hall, a visitor may place any score that Yundi has performed onto the conductor's podium, and the system automatically recognizes the page and plays the music; in the Dapeng Wings Multimedia Hall, a touchscreen interface allows a three‑dimensional presentation of Yundi's career and recreates important concert moments. Yundi stated his hope that the museum would encourage children to develop an interest in the piano and cultivate their artistic taste. He also noted that learning the piano can improve a child's concentration, that piano examinations are not the sole purpose of studying the instrument, and that both children and parents should regard such exams with moderation, prioritizing the enhancement of cultural cultivation.

In November 2017, Yundi went on tour playing Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 23 with Staatskapelle Dresden in Germany and China.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://onlinemerker.com/dresden-semperoper-alain-gilbert-und-yundi-im-3-symphoniekonzert-der-saechsischen-staatskapelle-dresden/|title=Dresden/ Semperoper: Alain Gilbert Und Yundi I 3. Symphoniekonzert Der Sächsischen Staatskapelle Dresden|website=Online Merker|access-date=22 October 2021|archive-date=22 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022132247/https://onlinemerker.com/dresden-semperoper-alain-gilbert-und-yundi-im-3-symphoniekonzert-der-saechsischen-staatskapelle-dresden/|url-status=live|language=german|trans-title=Dresden/Semperoper: Alan Gilbert and Yundi LI 3rd Symphony Concert of the Saxon Staatskapelle Dresden}}</ref> On 3 November, he gave a live concert at Beijing National Aquatics Center celebrating the 2017 League of Legends World Championship.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.riftherald.com/culture/2017/10/17/16488546/league-of-legends-live-concert-beijing|title=Listen to your favorite League songs at League of Legends Live in Beijing|work=The Rift Herald|access-date=3 November 2017|archive-date=7 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107004319/https://www.riftherald.com/culture/2017/10/17/16488546/league-of-legends-live-concert-beijing|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, Yundi had a successful debut in Australia and New Zealand. In a series of sold-out concerts, Yundi performed with local orchestras Chopin's Piano Concertos Nos. 1 and 2 as both soloist and conductor.<ref>{{cite web |title=Yundi Li Sonata World Tour Sydney |url=https://discover.events.com/au/state-of-new-south-wales/sydney/e/music/yundi-sonata-world-tour-49-market-street-sydney-nsw-2000-368618308 |website=events.com |access-date=28 February 2022 |archive-date=28 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228170120/https://discover.events.com/au/state-of-new-south-wales/sydney/e/music/yundi-sonata-world-tour-49-market-street-sydney-nsw-2000-368618308 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Yundi Li in Concert |url=https://www.classicmelbourne.com.au/yundi-li-in-concert/ |website=Classic Melbourne |date=29 October 2018 |access-date=28 February 2022 |archive-date=28 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228175009/https://www.classicmelbourne.com.au/yundi-li-in-concert/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===2019–2021: Signing with Warner Classics and the Chinese Musicians' Association membership revocation === In 2019, Yundi signed with Warner Classics,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.warnerclassics.com/artist/yundi/news|title=News &#124; YUNDI &#124|website=Warner Classics|access-date=18 October 2021|archive-date=18 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018173106/https://www.warnerclassics.com/artist/yundi/news|url-status=live}}</ref> releasing his next album, Chopin's Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2, in 2020. The recording contains performance by the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Yundi from the piano bench.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.warnerclassics.com/release/yundi-chopin|title=Chopin: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 &#124|website=Warner Classics|date=31 January 2020 |access-date=18 October 2021|archive-date=18 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018173106/https://www.warnerclassics.com/release/yundi-chopin|url-status=live}}</ref> It was chosen by Donald Vroon of the ''American Record Guide'' as one of the "Best of 2020".<ref name="arg2022">{{cite book |title=Critics' Choice: Best of 2020 Over 375 CDs Reviewed |date=January–February 2021 |publisher=American Record Guide |page=10}}</ref> ''The International Piano'' magazine wrote, "This is aristocratic Chopin, unfailing in its clarity, elegance and unforced eloquence. Nothing is over-played, everything is expressed. Yundi Li ranks among the finest, his reading of the F minor Concerto's central love song hauntingly inward looking. The Warsaw Philharmonic offer stout support, and sound and balance are exemplary."<ref>{{cite web |title=Chopin: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 |url=https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8718056--chopin-piano-concertos-nos-1-2?_gl=1*3i6t5k*_up*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvqeUBhCBARIsAOdt45avNOfvOv_gqJuA07Lvexn-jHfp7AVbSBfTZHOEh_vZLAw11WQyM4EaApJ7EALw_wcB#reviews |website=prestomusic |access-date=27 May 2022 |archive-date=27 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527040405/https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8718056--chopin-piano-concertos-nos-1-2?_gl=1*3i6t5k*_up*MQ..&gclid=Cj0KCQjwvqeUBhCBARIsAOdt45avNOfvOv_gqJuA07Lvexn-jHfp7AVbSBfTZHOEh_vZLAw11WQyM4EaApJ7EALw_wcB#reviews |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 21 October 2021, after a tip-off by public informants referred to as the Chaoyang masses,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/30/vigilante-surveillance-the-rise-of-beijings-neighbourhood-patrols|title=Chaoyang masses: the rise of Beijing's neighbourhood patrols|author=Vincent Ni|work=The Guardian|date=30 October 2021|access-date=1 November 2021|archive-date=1 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101070848/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/30/vigilante-surveillance-the-rise-of-beijings-neighbourhood-patrols|url-status=live}}</ref> Yundi was detained by Beijing police for allegedly hiring a prostitute. Under Chinese law, Yundi could be detained for up to 15 days and fined up to 5000 yuan ($782) for illegally soliciting a sex worker. The Chinese Musicians' Association subsequently revoked Yundi's membership, citing his "extremely negative social impact".<ref>{{Cite web|date=22 October 2021|title=Li Yundi: China's 'Piano Prince' detained for hiring prostitute|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-59005937|url-status=live|access-date=22 October 2021|website=BBC News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027184353/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-59005937 |archive-date=27 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/chinas-piano-prince-arrested-for-soliciting-a-prostitute|title=China's 'Piano Prince' Li Yundi arrested for soliciting a prostitute|date=October 22, 2021|author=Aw Cheng Wei|magazine=The Straits Times}}</ref> Jerome A. Cohen, a New York University law professor specializing in the Chinese law, called the "lack of transparency" about his case "concerning", noting that prostitution is a "time-honored Communist Party claim against political opponents".<ref>{{Cite web|author=Javier C. Hernández|date=22 October 2021|title=Chinese Pianist Is Held on Prostitution Suspicion, State Media Says|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/21/arts/music/li-yundi-china-prostitution.html|url-status=live|access-date=22 October 2021|work=The New York Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211031052320/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/21/arts/music/li-yundi-china-prostitution.html |archive-date=31 October 2021}}</ref> According to ''The Guardian'' on 22 October 2021, there has thus far been no evidence that indicates the detention is politically motivated.<ref>{{cite news |author1= Emma Graham-Harrison |author2=Vincent Ni|title=China's 'piano prince' Li Yundi detained for allegedly hiring sex worker |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/22/china-piano-prince-li-yundi-detained-for-allegedly-hiring-sex-worker |access-date=24 October 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=22 October 2021 |archive-date=24 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024022733/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/oct/22/china-piano-prince-li-yundi-detained-for-allegedly-hiring-sex-worker |url-status=live }}</ref> On 16 March 2022, the United States Department of Justice released a document suggesting "the derogatory information" regarding Yundi "may have been manufactured".<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 March 2022 |title=Five Individuals Charged Variously with Stalking, Harassing and Spying on U.S. Residents on Behalf of the PRC Secret Police |url=https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/five-individuals-charged-variously-stalking-harassing-and-spying-us-residents-behalf-prc-0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330210759/https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/five-individuals-charged-variously-stalking-harassing-and-spying-us-residents-behalf-prc-0 |archive-date=30 March 2022 |access-date=23 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Lin Complaint |url=https://www.justice.gov/opa/press-release/file/1484296/download |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220317184729/https://www.justice.gov/opa/press-release/file/1484296/download |archive-date=17 March 2022 |publisher=United States Department of Justice |page=6}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Laura Italiano |date=17 March 2022 |title=China plotted to use sex worker, porn, violence to end defector's run for Congress |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/china-used-sex-worker-porn-defector-run-congress-2022-3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220406065902/https://www.businessinsider.com/china-used-sex-worker-porn-defector-run-congress-2022-3 |archive-date=6 April 2022 |access-date=23 March 2022 |work=Business Insider}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |author=Justin Rohrlich|date=16 March 2022 |title=Honey Traps, Child Porn and Violence: Feds Bust Chinese Plot to Destroy NY Candidate |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/fbi-alleges-chinese-community-party-and-retired-agent-qiming-lin-tried-to-ruin-ny-candidate-xiong-yan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405214558/https://www.thedailybeast.com/fbi-alleges-chinese-community-party-and-retired-agent-qiming-lin-tried-to-ruin-ny-candidate-xiong-yan |archive-date=5 April 2022 |access-date=23 March 2022 |work=The Daily Beast}}</ref>

=== 2023–present: Comeback tour in Australia and return to Carnegie Hall=== [[File:Yundi at Musikverein, 2024.jpg|thumb|Yundi performing at the Golden Hall, Musikverein, April 2024]]

As his first project since 2021 controversy, Yundi embarked on his 2023 comeback tour (2023 Australia Coming Back Tour: YUNDI Plays Mozart The Sonata Project 1). In Adelaide Yundi performed Chopin's Nocturne in E Flat Major as an encore.<ref name="Australian">{{cite web |author=Lim Ruey Yan |title=Chinese pianist Li Yundi holds Australian comeback tour two years after getting blacklisted |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/chinese-pianist-li-yundi-holds-australian-comeback-tour-two-years-after-getting-blacklisted |work=The Straits Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231031085005/https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/chinese-pianist-li-yundi-holds-australian-comeback-tour-two-years-after-getting-blacklisted |archive-date=31 October 2023 |date=31 October 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> Yundi's comeback tour was regarded by Pizzicato magazine as excellent and successful.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.pizzicato.lu/chinese-pianist-li-yundi-made-a-successful-comeback-in-australia/?doing_wp_cron=1703306079.6166520118713378906250|title= Chinese pianist Li Yundi made a successful comeback in Australia|date= 8 November 2023|website= Pizzicato & Remy Franck's Journal About Classical Music|access-date= 26 December 2023|archive-date= 26 December 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20231226081431/https://www.pizzicato.lu/chinese-pianist-li-yundi-made-a-successful-comeback-in-australia/?doing_wp_cron=1703306079.6166520118713378906250|url-status= live}}</ref>

In March to May 2024, Yundi embarked on a European Tour of YUNDI Plays Mozart The Sonata Project 1, visiting cities historically connected with Mozart, including Vienna, Paris, Munich, Frankfurt, Cologne, and Berlin.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Gramophone |magazine=Gramophone |page=Inside Front Cover |edition=April 2024 Issue}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Concerti |magazine=Concerti|page=15 |edition=March 2024 Issue|language=de}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Rondo |magazine=Rondo Magazin|pages=2, 12–13 |edition=2024 Second Issue|language=de}}</ref> In alignment with the tour, he released the album ''Mozart: The Sonata Project - Salzburg''.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Gramophone |magazine=Gramophone |page=Outside Back Cover |edition=April 2024 Issue}}</ref><ref name="moz warner">{{cite web |title=Mozart: The Sonata Project – Salzburg |url=https://www.warnerclassics.com/release/mozart-sonata-project-salzburg |website=Warner Classics |access-date=11 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240209170048/https://www.warnerclassics.com/release/mozart-sonata-project-salzburg |archive-date=9 February 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Rondo |magazine=Rondo Magazin|pages=12–13 |edition=2024 Second Issue|language=de|url=https://www.rondomagazin.de/artikel.php?artikel_id=4075&teaser=true}}</ref> From September to October, Yundi went on an Asian tour, including Japan<ref name="JA 2025">{{cite web |title=ピアニスト ユンディ、モーツァルトを語る～『YUNDI plays MOZART』日本ツアー開催 |url=https://spice.eplus.jp/articles/333017 |website=spice.eplus.jp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111030141/https://spice.eplus.jp/articles/333017 |archive-date=11 November 2024 |language=ja |trans-title=Pianist Yundi talks about Mozart ~ "YUNDI plays MOZART" Japan tour begins|date=11 November 2024}}</ref> and Singapore.<ref>{{cite web |title=Chinese pianist Li Yundi to perform in S'pore on Oct. 11 |url=https://mothership.sg/2024/09/li-yundi-singapore-concert-2024-esplanade/ |website=mothership nova |publisher=Mothership|author1=Charlize Kon|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240903154600/https://mothership.sg/2024/09/li-yundi-singapore-concert-2024-esplanade/ |archive-date=3 September 2024 |date=3 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Jan Lee |title=Chinese pianist Li Yundi to hold Singapore concert in October |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/chinese-pianist-li-yundi-to-hold-singapore-concert-in-october |work=The Straits Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240904102712/https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/chinese-pianist-li-yundi-to-hold-singapore-concert-in-october |archive-date=4 September 2024 |date=4 September 2024}}</ref>

The album "Mozart: The Sonata Project - Salzburg" has received rave reviews from Bryce Morrison and Norman Lebrecht, among others<ref name="le soir">{{cite web |title=Le disque 5 étoiles de la semaine : Yundi, Mozart |url=https://www.lesoir.be/587249/article/2024-05-13/le-disque-5-etoiles-de-la-semaine-yundi-mozart |publisher=Le Soir |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514170415/https://www.lesoir.be/587249/article/2024-05-13/le-disque-5-etoiles-de-la-semaine-yundi-mozart |archive-date=14 May 2024 |language=fr|trans-title=The 5-star album of the week: Yundi, Mozart |date=13 May 2024}}</ref><ref name= "concerti">{{cite magazine |title=Entwicklung mit Mozart |magazine=Concerti|page=25 |edition=April 2024 Issue|language=de|url=https://www.concerti.de/rezensionen/yundi-mozart-the-sonata-project-salzburg/|trans-title=Development with Mozart}}</ref>. In ''Gramophone'', Morrison wrote, "His approach is a convincing challenge to a more conventional restraint, a restless Sturm und Drang precursor of Romanticism."<ref name=moz>{{cite journal |author=Bryce Morrison |title=Review – Mozart 'The Sonata Project: Salzburg' (Yundi) |journal=Gramophone |date=24 May 2024 |url=https://www.gramophone.co.uk/international-piano/review/article/review-mozart-the-sonata-project-salzburg-yundi|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528085707/https://www.gramophone.co.uk/international-piano/review/article/review-mozart-the-sonata-project-salzburg-yundi|archivedate=28 May 2024}}</ref> Lebrecht wrote: "In twelve and a half minutes, Yundi gives Mozart a total makeover. This is the most refreshing and innovative Mozart pianism I have heard in years."<ref>{{cite journal |author=Norman Lebrecht |title= Yundi Gives Mozart A Revelatory Makeover On The Sonata Project — Salzburg |journal=Ludwigvan Toronto |date=12 July 2024 |url=https://www.ludwig-van.com/toronto/2024/07/12/lebrecht-listens-yundi-gives-mozart-revelatory-makeover-sonata-project-salzburg/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712143628/https://www.ludwig-van.com/toronto/2024/07/12/lebrecht-listens-yundi-gives-mozart-revelatory-makeover-sonata-project-salzburg/|archive-date=12 July 2024}}</ref>

In January 2025, Yundi expanded his Japan tour with four additional concerts,<ref name ="JA 2025"/><ref>{{cite web |title=ユンディ・リのピアノリサイタル鑑賞券を15組30人にほか ／東京 |url=https://mainichi.jp/articles/20241217/ddl/k13/040/036000c|trans-title=Tickets to Yundi Li's piano recital given to 15 groups (30 people) and others / Tokyo|work=Mainichi Shimbun |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222131034/https://mainichi.jp/articles/20241217/ddl/k13/040/036000c |archive-date=22 December 2024 |language=ja |date=17 December 2024}}</ref> while simultaneously launching a North American tour that included Vancouver, Toronto, New York City and San Francisco.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Mabel Lui |title=Leading Chinese pianist's comeback concert at home reportedly cancelled without notice |url=https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3290028/leading-chinese-pianists-comeback-concert-home-reportedly-cancelled-without-notice |work=South China Morning Post|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211144817/https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3290028/leading-chinese-pianists-comeback-concert-home-reportedly-cancelled-without-notice |archive-date=11 December 2024 |date=9 December 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=「鋼琴王子」李雲迪桃色風波神隱3年！宣布復出即將來台|trans-title="Piano Prince" Li Yundi has been in hiding for 3 years! He announces his comeback and is set to come to Taiwan.|url=https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20250107005160-260404?chdtv |website=China Times |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250217130654/https://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20250107005160-260404?chdtv |archive-date=17 February 2025 |language=zh |date=7 January 2025}}</ref> During his tour, he performed a sold-out show at Carnegie Hall, nine years after his previous appearance at Carnegie.<ref name ="w25">{{cite web |title=李雲迪2/8初11空降台北國家音樂廳，最愛小籠包 忌口珍奶！|url=http://www.iwant-radio.com/showinformation.php?sisn=57329&ln=big |website=銀河新聞台iWant-radio |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20250205095734/http://www.iwant-radio.com/showinformation.php?sisn=57329&ln=big |archivedate=5 February 2025 |date=3 February 2025|trans-title=Li Yundi visited Taipei National Concert Hall on 8/2. He loves Xiao Long Bao (steamed dumplings) and avoids bubble tea!}}</ref>

==Repertoire, technique and performance style== Regarded as one of the finest interpreters of Chopin,<ref name="journal">{{cite journal |author1=Xi Fu |author2=Kateryna Cherevko |author3=Oksana Pysmenna |title=Performing skills of Li Yundi in the context of China's leading trends in the piano art development |journal=Amazonia Investiga |year=2021 |volume=10 |issue=46 |pages=42–50 |doi=10.34069/AI/2021.46.10.4 |doi-access=free }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Thomas Michelsen |title=To pianister beviser, at tangenter ikke bare er sorte og hvide|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206171340/https://politiken.dk/kultur/musik/cd-klassisk/art5617093/To-pianister-beviser-at-tangenter-ikke-bare-er-sorte-og-hvide?continueFlag=29313139355c1e1ceb8e2afcbc101f6f |archive-date= 6 February 2024|url=https://politiken.dk/kultur/musik/cd-klassisk/art5617093/To-pianister-beviser-at-tangenter-ikke-bare-er-sorte-og-hvide?continueFlag=29313139355c1e1ceb8e2afcbc101f6f |work=Politiken |language=Danish |date=1 April 2016|trans-title=Pianists prove that piano keys are not just black and white}}</ref><ref name="arg2011">{{cite book |title=Overview : Chopin |date=July–August 2011 |publisher=American Record Guide |pages=52, 99}}</ref> Yundi is also known for his interpretations of Liszt and Prokofiev.<ref name="Liszt"/><ref name="Liszt 1">{{cite web |author1=Thomas Michelsen |title=Fodretid for klaverløver |url=https://politiken.dk/kultur/musik/koncertanmeldelser/art4853594/Fodretid-for-klaverl%C3%B8ver?continueFlag=29313139355c1e1ceb8e2afcbc101f6f |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206171338/https://politiken.dk/kultur/musik/koncertanmeldelser/art4853594/Fodretid-for-klaverl%C3%B8ver?continueFlag=29313139355c1e1ceb8e2afcbc101f6f|archive-date= 6 February 2024|work=Politiken |language=Danish |date=31 May 2006|trans-title=Feeding time for piano lions}}</ref><ref name= "prokofiev">{{cite web |author1=Anthony Tommasini |title=Review: National Youth Orchestra Impresses With 'Symphonie Fantastique' at Carnegie Hall |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/13/arts/music/review-national-youth-orchestra-impresses-with-symphonie-fantastique-at-carnegie-hall.html |work=The New York Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150715022542/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/13/arts/music/review-national-youth-orchestra-impresses-with-symphonie-fantastique-at-carnegie-hall.html |archive-date=15 July 2015 |date=12 July 2015}}</ref> His other repertoires, such as Mozart,<ref>{{cite web |author1=Martin Neumann |title=Yundi Li – Vienna Recital |url=https://www.rondomagazin.de/kritiken.php?kritiken%20id=4925 |work=Rondo Magazine|language=de |date=18 November 2005 }}</ref> Beethoven,<ref name=Beethoven>{{cite web |author1=Jed Distler |title=Beethoven's 'Moonlight' Sonata: a deep dive into the best recordings |url=https://www.gramophone.co.uk/features/article/beethoven-s-moonlight-sonata-a-deep-dive-into-the-best-recordings |work=Gramophone |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102135506/https://www.gramophone.co.uk/features/article/beethoven-s-moonlight-sonata-a-deep-dive-into-the-best-recordings |archive-date=2 January 2024 |date=2 January 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> Ravel<ref name= NYT>{{cite web |title=Strings and Things: Classical's Best and Brightest |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/30/arts/music/30reco.html |work=The New York Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150605085004/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/30/arts/music/30reco.html |archive-date=5 June 2015 |date=30 November 2007 |url-status=live}}</ref> and Schumann,<ref name="sc">{{cite web |author1=Jed Distler |title=YUNDI LI–VIENNA RECITAL |url=https://www.classicstoday.com/review/review-12644/ |website=ClassicsToday |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210151029/https://www.classicstoday.com/review/review-12644/ |archive-date=10 December 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> have also received acclaim.

===Performance habits=== Yundi maintains daily piano practice before every performance to ensure the best result. He also adheres to a specific pre-concert diet plan centered on avoiding heavy meals to maintain peak focus and alertness during performances, deliberately skipping dinner or substantial food before performances. To sustain energy without digestive burden, he substitutes dinner with light snacks like chocolate.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Angus McPherson |title=Yundi Li: I try to follow my heart |url=https://limelight-arts.com.au/features/yundi-li-i-try-to-follow-my-heart/ |publisher=Limelight |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250527012459/https://limelight-arts.com.au/features/yundi-li-i-try-to-follow-my-heart/ |archive-date=27 May 2025 |date=18 October 2018}}</ref>

===Chopin=== {{listen | type = Music |title = Yundi's Fantaisie Impromptu |filename= Yundi_Fantaisie-Impromptu_Op_66_(2001).mp3 | description = In Yundi's 2001 album ''Chopin'', his Fantaisie Impromptu is regarded as "The melody design of the middle section is embedded in a very sonically oriented accompaniment. The fast passages are lively without being intrusive. Yundi Li manages to strictly adhere to the composition's guidelines and yet convey a vivacity that places his interpretation alongside that of other great pianists."<ref>{{cite web |author1=Axel Engels |title=Ein sensibler Künstler stellt sich vor |url=https://magazin.klassik.com/reviews/reviews.cfm?TASK=review&REID=899&RECID=1931 |website=Klassik magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325000000/https://magazin.klassik.com/reviews/reviews.cfm?TASK=review&REID=899&RECID=1931 |archive-date=25 March 2024 |language=de |trans-title=A sensitive artist introduces himself |date=14 July 2002 |access-date=28 March 2024 |url-status=live }} [https://web.archive.org/web/http://details/httpsmagazin.klassik.comreviewsreviews.cfmtaskreviewreid899recid1931_202403 Alt URL]</ref> }} Ivan Hewett of the Telegraph praised Yundi's performance as "beautifully polished and unfailingly elegant",<ref>{{cite web |author1=Ivan Hewett |title=What's the best way to hear Chopin? |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/best-way-hear-chopin/ |work=The Daily Telegraph |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228225146/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/best-way-hear-chopin/ |archive-date=28 February 2020 |date=28 February 2020}}</ref> while BBC Music Magazine noted that his "technically precise considered" approach to the music was heightened with "virtuosic flair".<ref>{{cite magazine |title=BBC Music Magazine |date=June 2020 |magazine=BBC Music Magazine |page=92}}</ref>

Yundi's technique in Chopin's pieces is described as "He has all that's needed in poetry and sensitivity. His touch is perfect—never heavy, as Biret can be—and yet there is joy, zest, technical aplomb, healthy drama, and unerring tempos and rhythms." by ''American Record Guide'',<ref name="arg">{{cite book |title=Overview: Chopin |date=July–August 2011 |publisher=American Record Guide |pages=55, 61}}</ref> "flawless, dazzlingly agile, existing in perfect symbiosis with the musical intent – noble and majestic" by French Crescendo Magazine.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Jean Lacroix |title=Le Chopin jubilatoire de Yundi |url=https://www.crescendo-magazine.be/le-chopin-jubilatoire-de-yundi/?continueFlag=29313139355c1e1ceb8e2afcbc101f6f |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206172535/https://www.crescendo-magazine.be/le-chopin-jubilatoire-de-yundi/?continueFlag=29313139355c1e1ceb8e2afcbc101f6f|archive-date= 6 February 2024|work=Crescendo Magazine |language=French |date=23 February 2020|trans-title=Yundi’s jubilant Chopin|quote= La technique est impeccable, virevoltante, en osmose avec le propos, noble et majestueux.}}</ref>

===Liszt and Prokofiev=== Yundi's interpretations of Liszt are described "dazzling, daredevil renderings, sheer, heart-stopping beauty" by Allan Kozinn of ''The New York Times''.<ref name="NY Times"/> His versions are believed to have "a smooth playing, with its flowing, impassioned rhythms, and full, rich tone, is a complete and dynamic interpretation of the score, without loss of style or form" by Thomas Michelsen of Politiken.<ref name="Liszt 1"/> According to ''The New York Times'', Yundi "excels in Prokofiev's volatile, technically daunting Piano Concerto No. 2." and "plays with expansive lyricism, surging power and, when called for, incisive attack."<ref name= NYT/>

==Achievements== ===Competitions=== Yundi has received top awards at various competitions. He won the Chongqing Children's Piano Competition in 1993 and the Huapo Cup National Competition in Beijing in 1994.<ref name="Yomiuri" /><ref name="okla"/> In 1995, he was awarded third place at the Stravinsky International Youth Competition.<ref name="competitions"/><ref name="award list">{{cite web |title=蕭邦國際鋼琴大賽金獎得主李雲迪來港獻技 |url=https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200011/30/1130249.htm |publisher=Government of Hong Kong |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010629181541/https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200011/30/1130249.htm |archive-date=29 June 2001 |language=zh-hk |date=30 November 2000|trans-title=International Chopin Piano Competition gold medalist Li Yundi comes to Hong Kong to perform}}</ref> In 1996, he won the third prize in the tenth Hong Kong – Asia Piano Open Competition.<ref name="award list"/> In 1997, he won the Concerto "Yellow River" Group of the Chinese Piano Pieces.<ref name="okla"/> In 1998, he was awarded the third place at the 1998 Missouri Southern International Piano Competition (Junior Division).<ref name="award list"/> The next year, he took third prize at the International Franz Liszt Piano Competition of Utrecht, as well as being a first-prize winner in the China International Piano Competition.<ref name="award list"/> In 1999, he won first place at the Gina Bachauer Young Artists International Piano Competition.<ref name="award list"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Shenzhen pianist shows forte |newspaper=South China Morning Post |page=5 |location=Hong Kong |date=1 December 2000 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= 2021 International Junior & Young Artists Competition |url=https://bachauer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2021Competition-JuniorAndYourngArtists-Program-7.pdf |website=Gina Bachauer International Piano Foundation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210626005711/https://bachauer.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/2021Competition-JuniorAndYourngArtists-Program-7.pdf |archive-date=26 June 2021 |pages=94 |date=13 June 2021}}</ref>

In October 2000, selected by the Ministry of Culture of the People's Republic of China to represent the country, Yundi participated in the XIV International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw. Yundi was the first competitor to be awarded the First Prize (the gold medal) in 15 years since Stanislav Bunin won it in 1985.<ref name="competitions"/> At 18 years of age, Yundi was the youngest and the first Chinese first prize winner in the competition's history.<ref name="ch c"/> Yundi was also awarded a Special Prize for the "Best Performance of a Polonaise" by the Chopin Society.<ref name="Yomiuri"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Winners of the 14th Chopin Competition |url=https://polishmusic.usc.edu/newsletter/2000/november-2000/ |website=USC Polish Music Center |access-date=24 March 2022 |archive-date=26 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230226232928/https://polishmusic.usc.edu/newsletter/2000/november-2000/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It is said that the jury was once again inclined to withhold the first prize at one point.<ref>{{cite web |title=About XIV Chopin Competition Edition |url=https://www.chopincompetition.pl/en/edition/410 |website=International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition |access-date=7 October 2025 |archive-date=7 October 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251007124709/https://www.chopincompetition.pl/en/edition/410 |url-status=live}}</ref> However, according to a 2000 ''Los Angeles Times'' report, at the final, the entire auditorium in Warsaw erupted in a standing ovation following Yundi's rendition of the Concerto No. 1. The panel of 23 judges, which included Martha Argerich, praised his approach to Chopin's music.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Henry Chu |title=A Classical Overnight Success Story in China |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-dec-05-ca-61204-story.html |work=Los Angeles Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241212170244/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-dec-05-ca-61204-story.html |archive-date=12 December 2024 |date=5 December 2000}}</ref> A report from ''Wirtualna Polska'' that same year stated that, while announcements of some other contestants' results caused some confusion among the journalists, Yundi's victory was received as "undoubtedly justified".<ref>{{cite web |title=Yundi Li z Chin zwycięzcą XIV Konkursu Chopinowskiego |url=https://wiadomosci.wp.pl/yundi-li-z-chin-zwyciezca-xiv-konkursu-chopinowskiego-6109402396030081a |publisher=Wirtualna Polska |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403131739/https://wiadomosci.wp.pl/yundi-li-z-chin-zwyciezca-xiv-konkursu-chopinowskiego-6109402396030081a |archive-date=3 April 2023 |language=pl |date=20 October 2000 |trans-title=Yundi Li from China is the winner of the 14th Chopin Competition}}</ref> Gazeta Wyborcza commented that the selection of Yundi as the first-prize winner ultimately preserved the jury's credibility, despite the overall level of the competition.<ref>{{cite web |title=Przyznanie pierwszej nagrody w konkursie młodemu chińskiemu pianiście Yundi Li uratowało honor jury |url=https://classic.wyborcza.pl/archiwumGW/1249683/Konkurs-chinski |publisher=Gazeta Wyborcza |language=pl |date=23 October 2000|trans-title=Awarding the first prize in the competition to the young Chinese pianist Yundi Li saved the jury's honor}}</ref> After the competition, the chairman of the jury, Andrzej Jasiński, summed up the competition in a statement to journalists, stating, among others, "I would also like to emphasize that Yundi Li is very mature for his age, and most importantly - he feels Chopin's music. His interpretations are never controversial; he plays beautifully and has imagination, charm and pearly technique."<ref>{{cite news |title=XIV Międzynarodowy Konkurs Chopinowski |volume=Special Edition |issue=247 (5717) |publisher=Rzeczpospolita |date=21 October 2000 |language=pl |trans-title=14th International Chopin Competition}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title='Szok i niedowierzanie'. Najciekawsze fakty z historii Konkursu Chopinowskiego w Warszawie |url=https://warszawa.tvp.pl/89226188/historia-konkursu-chopinowskiego-za-moment-rusza-xix-miedzynarodowy-konkurs-chopinowski |publisher=TVP3 |language=pl |date=1 October 2025|quote=Chciałbym również podkreślić, że Yundi Li jest bardzo dojrzały jak na swój wiek, a co najważniejsze – czuje muzykę Chopina. Nie bywa w swych interpretacjach kontrowersyjny, gra pięknym dźwiękiem i ma przy tym fantazję, urok oraz perlistą technikę. |trans-title="Shock and disbelief." The most interesting facts from the history of the Chopin Competition in Warsaw}}</ref>

===Awards and honours=== * 2003: Yundi's album ''Yudi: Liszt'' received the German Echo Klassik Solo Recording of the Year Solistische Einspielung des Jahres and China Gold Record Awards,<ref>{{cite web |title=资料：第四届中国金唱片奖完全获奖名单 |url=http://ent.sina.com.cn/y/2007-07-19/18091644447.shtml |publisher=sina music |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617030927/http://ent.sina.com.cn/y/2007-07-19/18091644447.shtml |archive-date=17 June 2021 |language=zh |date=19 July 2007 |url-status=live|trans-title=Information: Complete list of winners of the 4th China Gold Record Awards}}</ref> additionally named a "Best CD of the Year" by ''The New York Times''.<ref name="Liszt">{{cite web |title=Echo Classic 2003 |url=http://www.omm.de/veranstaltungen/konzerte20032004/DO-031026.html |date=26 October 2003 |website=Polish Music Center |access-date=9 January 2024 |archive-date=9 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109034507/http://www.omm.de/veranstaltungen/konzerte20032004/DO-031026.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title= Echo Klassik Preisträger|url= https://echoklassik-archiv.de/nominierte-und-gewinner/|website= Echo Klassik|access-date= 9 January 2024|archive-date= 23 September 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230923142150/https://echoklassik-archiv.de/nominierte-und-gewinner/|url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="NY Times"/> * 2004: ''Yudi: Liszt'' was nominated Edison Award's Instrumentale Solorecitals ({{translation|Instrumental Soloist}})<ref name ="Edison"/> * 2005: Yundi won "Best New Classical Artist" of XM Satellite Radio's First Annual XM Nation Music Awards.<ref>{{cite web |title=XM Satellite Radio's First Annual XM Nation Music Awards |url=http://home.nestor.minsk.by/jazz/news/2005/12/0501.html |website=Jazz News |access-date=27 May 2022 |archive-date=20 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420122915/http://home.nestor.minsk.by/jazz/news/2005/12/0501.html |url-status=live }}</ref> * 2006: Yundi won the Nord/LB Artist Award.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chinesischer Starpianist Yundi Li ist Preisträger des NORD/LB Artist Award 2006|url=https://www.nmz.de/politik-betrieb/veranstaltungen/chinesischer-starpianist-yundi-li-ist-preistraeger-des-nordlb|date=13 March 2006|website=Jazz News|access-date=9 January 2024|archive-date=9 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240109044616/https://www.nmz.de/politik-betrieb/veranstaltungen/chinesischer-starpianist-yundi-li-ist-preistraeger-des-nordlb|url-status=live}}</ref> * 2010: In May, in recognition of his contribution to music, the Polish Minister of Culture and National Heritage presented Yundi with a Silver Medal for Merit to Culture - Gloria Artis.<ref name="gloria">{{cite web |title=Lista laureatów Medalu Zasłużony Kulturze Gloria Artis |url=https://www.gov.pl/web/kultura/lista-laureatow-medalu-zasluzony-kulturze---gloria-artis |publisher=Ministerstwo Kultury i Dziedzictwa Narodowego |access-date=14 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301102507/https://www.gov.pl/web/kultura/lista-laureatow-medalu-zasluzony-kulturze---gloria-artis |archive-date=1 March 2023 |language=Polish|trans-title=List of awardees of the Gloria Artis Medal for Merit to Culture}}</ref><ref name="silver">{{cite web|title=Yundi Li – Bio|year=2016|website=Chopin International Piano Competition 2015|language=pl|url=http://chopincompetition2015.com/juror/a32569dc-1f80-4cc5-b137-4ce548cbf8b0?tab=details|access-date=6 January 2017|archive-date=11 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811025855/https://chopincompetition2015.com/juror/a32569dc-1f80-4cc5-b137-4ce548cbf8b0?tab=details|url-status=live}}</ref> The same year, the 200th anniversary of Chopin's birth, the Polish government also awarded him the world's first Chopin passport (''Chopinowskie paszporty'') in recognition of his contribution to Chopin's works..<ref>{{cite web |title=李云迪：用“儒家”风格弹奏肖邦 |url=https://www.hkcd.com.hk/content/2014-12/25/content_898014.html |publisher=Southern Metropolis Weekly |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260420081443/https://www.hkcd.com.hk/content/2014-12/25/content_898014.html |archive-date=20 April 2026 |language=zh |date=25 December 2014 |trans-title=Yundi Li: Performing Chopin in a 'Confucian' manner}}</ref><ref name="Passport news">{{Cite web |title=李雲迪蕭邦大賽最年輕評委 |url=https://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/entertainment/20141129/mobile/odn-20141129-1129_00282_063.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208042210/https://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/entertainment/20141129/mobile/odn-20141129-1129_00282_063.html|archive-date=8 February 2024 |access-date=8 February 2024 |website=Oriental Daily News |language=zh-hk|trans-title=Yundi Li, the youngest juror of International Chopin Piano Competition}}</ref><ref name="Proof">{{Cite web |date=5 January 2021 |title=所以第一本"肖邦护照"获得者是郎朗还是李云迪？到底谁在说谎？ |url=https://k.sina.cn/article_2100757661_7d37049d00100xdu5.html |access-date=8 February 2024 |website=k.sina.cn |archive-date=8 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240208043828/https://k.sina.cn/article_2100757661_7d37049d00100xdu5.html |url-status=live|language=zh|trans-title=So who was the first recipient of "Chopin Passport", Lang Lang or Yundi Li? Who is lying?}}</ref> * 2015: At the age of 33, Yundi served as the juror of XVII International Chopin Piano Competition, making him the youngest-ever juror of International Chopin Piano Competition.<ref>{{cite web|title=Chinese Pianist Li Yundi to Join Jury Panel of International Chopin Piano Competition|url=https://en.yibada.com/articles/8335/20141203/chinese-pianist-li-yundi-to-join-jury-panel-of-international-chopin-piano-competition.htm|website=yibada|date=3 December 2014 |access-date=24 October 2023|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222203600/http://en.yibada.com/articles/8335/20141203/chinese-pianist-li-yundi-to-join-jury-panel-of-international-chopin-piano-competition.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Li Yundi joins Chopin jury|url=https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/culture/2014-12/03/content_19017886.htm#:~:text=Chinese%20pianist%20Li%20Yundi%20has%20been%20chosen%20as%20the%20jury,Martha%20Argerich%20and%20Garrick%20Ohlsson.|website=China Daily|access-date=28 February 2022|archive-date=28 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228181743/https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/culture/2014-12/03/content_19017886.htm#:~:text=Chinese%20pianist%20Li%20Yundi%20has%20been%20chosen%20as%20the%20jury,Martha%20Argerich%20and%20Garrick%20Ohlsson.|url-status=live}}</ref> * 2019: In October, Yundi was awarded a Gold Medal for Merit to Culture - Gloria Artis by the Polish government, in recognition to his contribution to Polish culture.<ref name="gloria"/><ref name="gold">{{cite web|title=Li Yundi Awarded the Gloria Artis Medal|date=10 October 2019|website=Culture.pl|url=https://culture.pl/en/event/li-yundi-awarded-the-gloria-artis-medal|access-date=19 January 2022|archive-date=11 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811030932/https://culture.pl/en/event/li-yundi-awarded-the-gloria-artis-medal|url-status=live}}</ref> * 2022: Yundi was selected as the Honorary Board of Summa Cum Laude Festival.<ref>{{cite web|title=Honorary Board|url=https://www.sclfestival.org/honorary-board|access-date=10 August 2023|archive-date=10 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810230447/https://www.sclfestival.org/honorary-board|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=SCL Honorary Board 2022|url=https://www.sclfestival.org/images/download_files/SCL2022_honorary_board.pdf|access-date=10 August 2023|archive-date=3 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203224358/https://www.sclfestival.org/images/download_files/SCL2022_honorary_board.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Impact== [[File:Yundi's Monument at Shenzhen Arts School.jpg|thumb|Yundi's Monument at Shenzhen Arts School, celebrating his first-prize in the International Chopin Piano Competition. The commemorative sculpture for Yundi's Chopin Gold Medal at Shenzhen Arts School was sculpted by Qiao Hong.<ref>{{cite web |title=70多岁老雕塑家乔红 见证深圳特区艺术史 |url=http://news.diaosu.cn/34054 |publisher=sznews.com |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/7acvb |archive-date=22 April 2026 |language=zh |date=11 January 2007 |trans-title=Qiao Hong, a veteran sculptor in her 70s, has witnessed the art history of the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=著名雕塑艺术家滕文金、乔红向南科大捐赠500余件艺术作品 |url=https://www.sustech.edu.cn/10th/news/38865.html |website=Southern University of Science and Technology |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260422110334/https://www.sustech.edu.cn/10th/news/38865.html |archive-date=22 April 2026 |language=zh |date=22 October 2020 |trans-title=Renowned sculpture artists Teng Wenjin and Qiao Hong donated over 500 artworks to the Southern University of Science and Technology.}}</ref>]] Study by Amazonia Investiga highlighted Yundi as a notable example of effectiveness Chinese pedagogy, "emphasizing its interrogative nature".<ref name="journal"/> Additionally, Yundi has promoted Chinese traditional music worldwide by recording traditional Chinese folk melodies and world-premiere songs.<ref name=tm>{{cite web |title=China wonderkid: 'Role model' to 50 million young pianists |url=https://timesofmalta.com/article/China-wonderkid-Role-model-to-50-million-young-pianists.384378 |website=The Times (Malta) |agency=Agence France-Presse |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229073411/https://timesofmalta.com/article/China-wonderkid-Role-model-to-50-million-young-pianists.384378 |archive-date=29 February 2024 |date=12 September 2011}}</ref> Yundi, alongside Lang Lang, is the role model to young Chinese musicians inspiring many to learn piano.<ref>{{cite web |author=Clarissa Sebag Montefiore |title=Why piano-mania grips China's children |url=https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20131022-piano-mania-grips-china |publisher=BBC |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111215416/https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20131022-piano-mania-grips-china |archive-date=11 November 2020 |date=21 October 2014}}</ref><ref name="irish"/><ref name=tm/> He has given masterclasses at the Royal College of Music, University of Cambridge<ref>{{cite web |title=Mastering Chopin |work=University of Cambridge |url=https://www.cam.ac.uk/news/mastering-chopin |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211214084124/https://www.cam.ac.uk/news/mastering-chopin |archive-date=14 December 2021 |date=March 2011}}</ref> and Tsinghua University.<ref name="bi"/>

==Personal life== Yundi owns a cat named Musigny.<ref name="cat">{{cite web |title=李云迪与喵星人隔空互动 网友：你家猫胖成球了 |url=https://ient.ifeng.com/mip/42600675/news.shtml |publisher=Phoenix New Media |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323111001/https://ient.ifeng.com/mip/42600675/news.shtml |archive-date=23 March 2024 |date=5 April 2016 |url-status=live|language=zh|trans-title=Li Yundi interacts with his cat. Netizen: Your cat is as chubby as a ball.}}</ref> His hobbies are listening to Verdi accompanied by good red wine, and drinking tea while listening to jazz.<ref name="inde"/> His role-model is Chopin.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Julia Llewellyn Smith |title='Lang Lang? We've never met' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/classicalmusic/10863146/Lang-Lang-Weve-never-met.html |work=The Daily Telegraph |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325050059/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/classicalmusic/10863146/Lang-Lang-Weve-never-met.html |archive-date=25 March 2022 |date=6 June 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Quote box | width = 50% | align = right |bgcolor = Cornsilk | quote = "In fact, food can also bring out the feeling of music. For example, in French composer Ravel's classic piece ''Jeux d'eau'', the last line is just like the disappearance of champagne bubbles." | source = {{mdash}}Yundi in a 2016 interview<ref name="foodie">{{cite web |author1=冯雪珺 |title=李云迪，在美食里找音乐 |url=http://paper.people.com.cn/hqrw/html/2016-04/26/content_1675116.htm |publisher=Global People 2016 Issue 11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323150448/http://paper.people.com.cn/hqrw/html/2016-04/26/content_1675116.htm |archive-date=23 March 2024 |language=zh |date=April 2016|trans-title=Li Yundi, looking for music in delicious food|url-status=live}}</ref> }} Yundi enjoys cuisine across the globe, as he believes that music styles of places can be found from food.<ref name="foodie"/> He particularly likes crabs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Li Yundi is a crab fan |url=http://www.china.org.cn/china/2013-09/27/content_30150090.htm |work=China Daily |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927031322/http://www.china.org.cn/china/2013-09/27/content_30150090.htm |archive-date=27 September 2013 |date=27 September 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> He is also good at cooking, especially Sichuan cuisine twice-cooked pork.<ref name="foodie"/> Yundi has also stated that what he enjoys most in life apart from practicing piano is searching for delicious food, which he finds very relaxing. Besides eating, he also shares with many of his generation an interest in taking selfies, collecting wine, various cars, and photographing food to post on Weibo.<ref>{{cite web |title=李云迪爱美食也爱自拍 想做一个时尚的肖邦 |url=https://www.chinanews.com.cn/cul/2011/12-09/3519533.shtml |publisher=Qianjiang Evening News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410205026/https://www.chinanews.com.cn/cul/2011/12-09/3519533.shtml |archive-date=10 April 2024 |date=9 December 2011 |trans-title=Yundi loves food and also loves selfies.}}</ref>

=== Philanthropy === In 2001, Yundi donated a portion of the sales revenue of his first CD "Yundi Li: Chopin" to United Nations Children's Fund, aiming to benefit children living in China's economically disadvantaged areas.<ref name="Prize Winning Pianist Releases CD"/> Since 2008, Yundi is sponsored by Rolex, only under the condition that they subsidise music teaching in rural China.<ref name="inde">{{cite web |author=Michael Church |title=Yundi Li: 'I think I'm not a normal artist' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/classical/features/yundi-li-i-think-i-m-not-a-normal-artist-1915552.html |work=The Independent |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325050532/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/classical/features/yundi-li-i-think-i-m-not-a-normal-artist-1915552.html |archive-date=25 March 2024 |date=7 March 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Soon after the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake, Yundi cancelled his European concerts<ref>{{cite web |author1=Lee Hyo-won |title=Young Maestros Yannick Nezet-Seguin, Li Yundi to Take Center Stage |url=https://m.koreatimes.co.kr/pages/article.amp.asp?newsIdx=26074 |work=The Korea Times|date=17 June 2008|archive-date=28 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328150920/https://m.koreatimes.co.kr/pages/article.amp.asp?newsIdx=26074|url-status=live}}</ref> to perform in a fundraising concert in Beijing, along with several other famous musicians of Sichuan origin. Funds raised at the concert were donated to helping rebuild schools in Wenchuan County and providing mental healing services for children affected by the earthquake.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sichuan musicians' fundraising concert |url=http://www.china.org.cn/china/wenchuan_earthquake/2008-06/03/content_15610038.htm |website=China.org.cn |access-date=11 April 2022 |archive-date=11 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411175541/http://www.china.org.cn/china/wenchuan_earthquake/2008-06/03/content_15610038.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 29 November 2008, right before the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, Yundi headlined a charity concert held in the Bird's Nest Stadium to support people disabled by the earthquake.<ref>{{cite web |title=Charity concert to be Bird Nest's first post-Games show |url=http://www.china.org.cn/culture/2008-11/12/content_16753561.htm |website=China.org.cn |access-date=11 April 2022 |archive-date=11 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220411175543/http://www.china.org.cn/culture/2008-11/12/content_16753561.htm |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 11 January 2011, he participated in a charity piano recital in Beijing for the individuals and companies that had contributed to the efforts of the Red Cross Society of China in 2010. Yundi was honored as the Music Ambassador of the Chinese Red Cross Foundation. Beforehand, Yundi told reporters: "Charity is just like music which comes from deep inside my heart. I can express my love for society and my country through my fingers, just like Chopin did."<ref>{{cite web |title=Top pianist to perform for charity |url=http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2010-12/23/content_21601635.htm |website=China.org.cn |access-date=17 February 2022 |archive-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117222013/http://www.china.org.cn/arts/2010-12/23/content_21601635.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Joining forces with I DO Fund of China Charity Federation<ref>{{cite web |title=About Us |url=http://www.chinacharityfederation.org/nv_en.html?nid=47ff3c22-a609-4668-b916-4cd938a07845 |website=China Charity Federation |access-date=19 February 2022 |archive-date=19 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219175718/http://www.chinacharityfederation.org/nv_en.html?nid=47ff3c22-a609-4668-b916-4cd938a07845 |url-status=live }}</ref> in 2016, Yundi helped build the first music classroom and library for Puma Jiangtang Elementary School, the school with the highest altitude (5373 meters) in Tibet. The music classroom was named after Yundi. At the opening ceremony on 1 September, also the first day of the new school year, Yundi taught the Tibetan children to play the piano hoping to help them open the door to music exploration.<ref>{{cite web |title=The first music classroom established at the elementary school with the highest altitude in the world |url=https://www.chinanews.com.cn/gn/2016/09-02/7992655.shtml |website=Chinanews.com.cn |access-date=19 February 2022 |archive-date=19 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219174617/https://www.chinanews.com.cn/gn/2016/09-02/7992655.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Discography == {{main|Yundi discography}} Yundi's discography contains 16 studio albums. He has also made five contributions to compilation albums with Deutsche Grammophon not under his name and featured in three video items, his 2005 and 2010 concert, as well as his documentary ''The Young Romantic: A Portrait of Yundi Li''. He has achieved considerable commercial and critical success. His albums have ranked on ''Billboard'' charts, including the Top Classical Albums.

==Bibliography== === Biography === * {{cite book |title=Yundi Li, sonate pour mains liées: biographie |date= 20 May 2025|language=fr|trans-title=Yundi Li: The Bound Hands Sonata – A Biography|isbn=979-8284614891|author=Christian Soleil}}

=== Documentary === * ''The Young Romantic: A Portrait of Yundi Li'' (2008)<ref name="irish"/>

==References== {{Reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category}} {{wikiquote}} * [https://www.warnerclassics.com/artist/yundi Yundi at Warner Classics] * {{YouTube|handle=YundiMusic}} * [https://www.deutschegrammophon.com/en/artists/yundi Yundi at Deutsche Grammophon] * {{Weibo|liyundi}}

{{Winners of the Chopin Competition}} {{Portal bar|Classical music|Biography|Music}} {{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Li, Yundi}} Category:1982 births Category:Living people Category:20th-century Chinese musicians Category:20th-century classical pianists Category:20th-century Chinese male musicians Category:21st-century Chinese musicians Category:21st-century Chinese classical pianists Category:21st-century Chinese male musicians Category:Child classical musicians Category:21st-century Chinese philanthropists Category:Deutsche Grammophon artists Category:EMI Classics and Virgin Classics artists Category:Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover alumni Category:International Chopin Piano Competition winners Category:Chinese male classical pianists Category:Musicians from Chongqing Category:People with acquired residency of Hong Kong Category:Recipients of the Silver Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis Category:Recipients of the Gold Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis Category:20th-century male pianists Category:21st-century male pianists