Pianist Niu Niu to perform eight concertos for children with cancer at Singapore charity concert

The concert’s theme is fitting because a confluence of Eastern and Western influences has shaped the musician he is, too. 

“Honestly, I think I’m very fortunate to have received education in both China and the US,” he said. “I think China gave me very strong foundation that allowed me to have very solid techniques and skills to be able to fulfill what I want to express in music, and it also allowed me to build a very strong repertoire. In the US, I think it was more about elevating the imagination, individuality and originality, and then being able to achieve a higher artistic level. I would really say that one could not exist without the other.”

In his personal life, as well, east does meet west. “I try to keep a disciplined lifestyle – I practise at the same time every day, like going to work – while at the same time, being very spontaneous all the time,” he shared.

That said, playing the piano is never just a job for him. “Nowadays, I treasure every performance opportunity more and more, especially after COVID-19,” he said. Plus, “I really love music, because it is actually one of the languages in which I communicate with people.”