Cliburn 2009: May 22 - June 7
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closeTuesday, Apr. 21, 2009
Cliburn Confidential: Ang Li
A series of conversations with the Cliburn competitors
Ang Li
(pronounced ong lee)
Nationality: Canadian
Born: Beijing, China
Lives: Fort Worth (Li studies at Texas Christian University.)
Age: 24
On returning to the Cliburn: Li competed in the 2005 Cliburn and played in the first round. She thinks the experience paid dividends. "Last time showed me basically what it’s like to have a professional concert career — that we have to know a lot of repertoire in advance," Li said. "The more time and effort we spend in advance, the better."
On playing new pianos: Li loves playing on the different pianos at various concert engagements. "I love to try out different pianos and find out what kind of sounds I can get," Li said. "Every Steinway I’ve played, none of them sounded exactly the same. They have distinct personalities."
Practice makes perfect: Li estimates that she practices six to seven hours a day in preparation for the Cliburn competition. "It’s the concentration that starts to get tired first," Li said. "I can move my fingers for longer than six hours, but my brain gets fried after, like, three."
Favorite food: Green tea ice cream. "I love almost every flavor I’ve tried," Li said. "One time I tried avocado and rose-flavored ice cream. They were great."
Last movie she saw: Kung Fu Panda
Dream co-star in a movie: "I loved Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday," Li said. "But I’ll have to say Brad Pitt."
Pre-concert ritual: Sleep in as late as possible; lightly warm up; don’t eat much.
Post-concert celebration: ice cream
Her Cliburn dream: "It’s the biggest piano competition in the world and a huge opportunity for all of us," Li said. "There are so many people listening who can help us out with careers. Getting heard online — it’s extremely good exposure for young pianists."
— Chris Shull, Special to the Star-Telegram
Bass Hall
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