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11/02/2024 09:35:24 am

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Li Yundi's Seoul Concert Performance and Behavior Puts Off Korean Fans

Li Yundi

(Photo : Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images) Li Yundi has come under a barrage of criticisms from Koreans after a concert blunder this past weekend.

Li Yundi, China's first and youngest "Chopin specialist", committed an error during his Friday night performance in South Korea's capital city Seoul. Fans were, however, dismayed and angered when Li later posted a picture on Facebook - apparently unbothered by the incident.

Korea Joongang Daily reported that Li started falling behind the orchestra until they became completely out of sync, prompting the pianist to stop playing. After a few seconds, Li continued with the performance on his own, after which the orchestra followed suit.

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People who watched the performance said that Li ignored the orchestra and the maestro David Robertson, the orchestra conductor, signaled for the orchestra to stop playing. Even when both the pianist and orchestra resumed their performance, the situation was tense.

Without offering any explanation or apologies, Li went straight off the stage. There was supposed to be a media interview and a meeting with the fans but Li canceled it at the last minute.

Fans were reportedly disappointed with Li's performance and seemingly cold attitude afterward. One of the fans said that she had been waiting to see and hear the famed pianist, but his performance on that night seems to indicate that the he had not prepared for the concert.

Ryu Tae-hyung, an expert in classical music, said pianists of Li's caliber do not stop their performance even if they commit an error.

Li's fans and classical music critics were additionally offended by the pianist's subsequent Facebook post. Li posted a photo of himself wearing a Halloween attire saying, "I'm gonna freak you out tomorrow."

Ryu said that social media post was improper on the part of Li. After the concert was over, the Chinese pianist simply left without even apologizing for the snafu he made during the concert.

Li for his part removed the offending post and a posted a new one a day later. The new post said that the pianist is happy to come to Korea and thanked his fans.

Koreans have been discussing Li's posts on social media. While some support Li, have complained about his arrogance. Some fans who attended the concert are reportedly demanding the return of their money.

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