Media Call: Chinese Virtuoso Showcases Talent in Free Leeds Concert

Chinese Virtuoso Showcases Talent in Free Leeds Concert BROADCAST/PHOTOGRAPHERS MEDIA CALL 14th AUGUST 2024, 2-3.30pm Where: Besbrode Pianos, Holbeck New Mills, Braithwaite Street, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 9XEAvailable to interview, film,…

Chinese pianist Le Can


Chinese Virtuoso Showcases Talent in Free Leeds Concert

BROADCAST/PHOTOGRAPHERS MEDIA CALL 14th AUGUST 2024, 2-3.30pm

Where: Besbrode Pianos, Holbeck New Mills, Braithwaite Street, Holbeck, Leeds LS11 9XE

Available to interview, film, and record: Pianist Li Can in the backdrop of an exquisite collection of antique pianos (forming a new Golden Age of Pianos exhibition at Besbrode Pianos).


A piano virtuoso is leading one of the first Chinese cultural delegations to visit Leeds after the reopening of China’s borders last October.

Li Can is flying a contingent of eight young Chinese pianists and their parents to perform a free concert open to the public at the UK’s largest piano dealership, Besbrode Pianos in Holbeck, on 14 August at 3pm.

The significant cultural act comes as the new Labour government vowed to overhaul the UK’s relations with China with Beijing’s increasing geopolitical might.

Melvin Besbrode, owner of Besbrode Pianos, said: “Leeds International Piano Competition takes the name of our city around the world on the global stage. This visit not only enriches our cultural landscape but reaffirms the strong worldwide brand of Leeds being the UK city of the piano. It’s also a powerful testament to the power of music in strengthening relations, crossing political barriers, and bringing people together. We’re privileged to welcome Li Can and her proteges in what promises to be a remarkable performance.”

An acclaimed musician, Li Can has an impressive international career spanning the UK, USA, and China. She is leveraging her influence to foster the cultural exchange and showcase the exceptional talent of these young musicians, who are all under the age of 18.

The delegation’s visit marks the potential rekindling of the strong tourism and cultural ties between China and Yorkshire, which were thriving before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Yorkshire was a popular destination for Chinese tourists with 224,000 visitors in 2018.

Visit Britain’s research showed Chinese visitors were some of the UK’s highest spenders, spending on average £2,059 during their visit, more than three times the average spend.

This event symbolises a hopeful return to robust economic and cultural exchanges and the re-opening of Chinese tourism to the region.

Li Can has ambitions to open a summer piano school for Chinese students in Leeds and London. The students will be touring the city as part of their cultural programme.

The free concert at Besbrode Pianos on 14 August is at 3pm, and will include a variety of classical pieces.

Li Can, an alumnus of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and the Royal Academy of Music, brings her extensive expertise and passion for music education to this unique event.

Asia has over 40 million piano players and pre-Covid served as a key export market for Besbrode Pianos.

Besbrode Pianos, a key sponsor of the Leeds International Piano competition, has over 300 pianos, from Steinways to harpsicords, across three floors at the Holbeck 1780’s warehouse. It’s also popular with Leeds Conservatoire students who practice on their collection of Steinways and concert pianos. The venue has a reputation for its regular concerts and events, supporting local artists.

Besbrode Pianos is also hosting a free ‘Golden Age of Pianos’ exhibition which begins at the end of August and runs till the end of September.

Melvin added: “Behind the unassuming warehouse walls of Holbeck, we are a bit of a magical Tardis with a treasure trove of pianos, and we hope this exhibition will encourage people to come and explore and fall in love with the piano.”

The exhibition will feature rare pianos from 1820 to 1930 and their musical history.

ENDS

For media enquiries and to confirm attendance email clair@causeuk.com 0753 194 8014

About Li Can

Li Can is a renowned pianist with an international career, having studied under some of the most esteemed professors in the world. She has performed extensively in both solo and chamber music settings across major venues in China, the UK, and the USA. Currently, she serves at the Xiamen Branch of the Central Conservatory of Music Middle School.

Li Can will be performing the following pieces from 3pm on 14th August:

  • Chopin etude Op.25 No.12
  • Beethoven sonata Op.13 No.8, 2nd movement
  • Brahms Op.118 No.2
  • Beethoven sonata Op.31 No.2, 1st movement
  • Mozart Sonata K332, 1st movement
  • William Bolcom Graceful Ghost rag

About Besbrode Pianos

Besbrode Pianos is a leading piano dealership based in Leeds, based in a 1780’s mill at the heart of Holbeck, the business has been successfully selling pianos for over 30 years. Over three stories’ visitors can see over 300 pianos ranging from Steinways to harpsicords to uprights. Renowned for hosting exceptional musical events and fostering a vibrant cultural community Besbrode Pianos has been a long-time sponsor to the Leeds International Piano Competition.

It’s free exhibition, The Golden Age of Pianos will take place at the end of August until the end of September to celebrate the Leeds International Piano competition.

http://www.golden-age-of-pianos.com/

Read about Cause UK’s incredible media stunt placing a white grand piano on Brimham Rocks.