Eric Lu's Parisian debut

The pianist Eric Lu, who won the Chopin Competition in 2025, performed his Parisian debut on September 29 at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées. The concert was part of the piano recital season and drew a nearly full audience.

Program highlights

Lu's program included works by Brahms, Schubert, and Chopin. He performed the Thème et variations op. 18b by Brahms, a transcription of the slow movement of his First String Sextet, followed by Schubert's Fourth Ballade and Chopin's Polonaise and Third Sonata.

Lu's artistic philosophy

Lu discussed his approach to music, emphasizing the importance of introspection, sensitivity, and the balance between musical architecture and spontaneity. He studied with Jonathan Biss at the Curtis Institute of Music and Dang Thai Son, noting that each teacher contributed to his musical identity.

Schubert recordings and insights

Lu has recorded Schubert's sonatas D. 784 and D. 959, as well as the complete Impromptus, and discussed the humanity and tragic dimension of Schubert's music. He mentioned plans for future recordings but did not announce specific projects.

Future performances and projects

Lu's 2026-2027 season includes performances in Dortmund, Munich, Berlin, London, Cologne, and Paris, with a Schumann album expected from Warner Classics in mid-2027.