Meet Siqian Li | Concert Pianist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Siqian Li and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Siqian, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Embracing risk is an indispensable part of personal growth and achievement. To flourish in the face of challenges, we must push beyond our comfort zones and venture into uncharted territory, seizing opportunities that may lead to better paths.

As a classical musician and artist, my life and career have been deeply interwoven with taking artistic risks. Choosing to pursue a professional career as a concert pianist was a significant risk I undertook. This profession demands an immense investment from a very early age, with no guarantees of success. Along this journey, numerous turning points required the courage to embrace discomfort and initiate change. However, it has been a risk I have enjoyed taking to pursue my passion, and some of my most significant moments of growth as an artist have emerged from embracing those risks.

The very essence of music performance requires a willingness to take chances and be creative on stage. The charm of a live performance lies in the risk-taking – the more I embrace risk, the more electrifying the connection I can forge with the audience in those moments, making the endeavour worthwhile.

Risk-taking is simply crucial to attaining greatness as a musician and artist. It is how we grow, innovate, and create transcendent experiences for audiences.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a musician and artist, I have cultivated a unique and expressive voice through my music, shaped by my upbringing, personality, education, and life experiences. What truly sets me apart from others is my distinctive approach to musical expression and my deep commitment to forging an emotional connection with audiences during performances. I strive to uncover the genuine emotional essence within each note I play on stage, aiming not just to present the music itself but to facilitate an authentic encounter where audiences can profoundly connect with the music on an emotional level.

My musical journey began at age four when I started playing the piano, an instrument that has become an integral part of my life. I have lived and studied in China, the U.S. and the UK, and music has brought me to many countries and enriched my life experience while shaping my perception of the world.

The path to becoming the musician I am today has been challenging, demanding unwavering dedication. Pursuing artistic growth is a lifelong endeavour, not a final destination. From a young age, I possessed an unyielding commitment to guide me along this path. Each step forward has filled me with pride, yet I’ve had to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles through perseverance and an unwavering drive for growth. However, the most important thing is remembering the initial passion that inspired me to embark on this journey.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
London is such a buzzing, exciting city – it’s true what they say, if you are tired of London, you’re tired of life! Two of my absolute favourite spots have to be Hyde Park and the super vibrant and artsy neighbourhood of Notting Hill. They’re the perfect escape from the city life.

Notting Hill is an absolute must-visit with its world-famous Portobello Road Market. All these vendors are lining the streets selling unique antiques, vintage fashion, and fantastic street food from all over. It creates this lively, bustling vibe that just attracts you in. And as you wander the pretty, colourful streets, you can’t help but be charmed by Notting Hill’s funky, bohemian spirit and rich cultural mix. There are so many cool indie shops, cosy cafes, and restaurants to dip into and experience the neighbourhood’s distinct flavour.

If you start in Hyde Park at Lancaster Gate and stroll towards the stunning Royal Albert Hall, then keep heading south, you’ll find yourself immersed in a hub of renowned educational and cultural institutions, like the Royal College of Music, where I graduated from, Imperial College, and my all-time favourite museum, the V&A.

The V&A has been number one on my list since I first visited. This place is an architectural gem housing incredible art and artefacts from across the centuries and the globe. Just wandering the galleries takes you on this mesmerising journey through human creativity and craftsmanship from all cultures. It really cements the V&A as a must-visit spot for any art lover or creative soul.

The artistic ambience in London is superb as well. While the prestigious concert halls like the Royal Festival Hall are great for catching major shows, London’s artistic scene has so many other awesome, intimate venues to experience too. Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club is high on my list with its chill, cosy ambience for seeing legendary jazz artists up close. Or you’ve got places like Fidelio Cafe where you can catch anything from chamber music performances to live gipsy jazz in a charming, low-key setting. Spots like Night’s Jar really blur the lines by combining music with avant-garde performance art for a unique artistic experience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to dedicate my gratitude to my piano teachers, who have not only taught me the skills to become an accomplished pianist and shaped my concert career, but have also imparted valuable lessons about having a good heart and strong integrity. Their influence has profoundly shaped my values and who I am as a person.

Since beginning my professional music education at the age of 10, Professor Huiqiao Bao was my teacher for 12 years at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. She was a teacher, family figure, and role model, constantly supporting me, especially during life’s most challenging moments. She laid an extremely strong foundation for my piano abilities, but more importantly, her qualities as a female musician left an indelible impact on my life. I would not be where I am or who I am today without her.

After my studies in China, I continued my education in the USA and UK. Professor Alexander (Sasha) Korsantia at the New England Conservatory in Boston and Professor Norma Fisher at the Royal College of Music in London also profoundly influenced me. Their fearless passion for music and artistic creativity constantly encouraged and inspired me to achieve greater heights as a musician and an artist.

Furthermore, I must express my heartfelt gratitude to my cherished friends and family who have been unwavering pillars of support and love during this journey. Their consistent encouragement has been invaluable, and I am truly grateful to have them by my side through it all.

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