"I will make Mozart's music sound modern," said pianist Qin Chuan, who will perform a solo concert this weekend for the closing ceremony of the 2006 Year of Mozart.

Hailed as China's best contemporary pianist, Qin is unique in having his performances of classical music recognized in international music circles. He has won numerous awards in major international piano competitions including the Maria Canals Competition in Spain, the Juilliard's Gina Bachauer Competition in New York and the Messiaen Competition in 2003 in Paris.The renowned French newspaper Le Figaro describes his playing as "extremely delicate, full of nobility".

Qin said at a press conference last Wednesday that he has long dreamed of putting on a concert of Mozart's works.

"Mozart's music is always the biggest challenge for a musician," said Qin. "Though many of Mozart's compositions only have a few notes and may sound simple and easy to play, it's the most difficult for a musician to illustrate the emotions that run through it. "

Qin said he would interpret Mozart in his own way. "People won't feel like they're listening to music written hundreds of years ago but to something new and modern," he said.

To pay homage to the great musician, Qin will perform Mozart's Piano Concerto No 20 & 21, Fantasia K397, Piano Sonata in C minor K457, Piano Sonata in A major, K331, Piano Concerto No 21 in C major and Sonata in B minor.

Esteemed Chinese conductors Chen Xieyang and Shi Shucheng will conduct the China Philharmonic Orchestra during the concert.

(China Daily January 13, 2007)