At the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, Eric Lu, the winner of the 2025 Chopin Competition, gave a recital that highlighted his deep personal relationship with the music of Frédéric Chopin. The evening began with a piano transcription of the slow movement from Brahms' String Sextet, a rare and possibly gift-like piece intended for Clara Schumann. While Lu's performance was technically precise, it was noted that the original string version's expressive vibrato was difficult to replicate on the piano. Some critics felt this piece, while well-played, was not ideally suited for the formal setting of a concert. Lu then performed three of the four Impromptus from Chopin's posthumous Opus 142, skipping the third, which features wild and unpredictable variations. His playing was praised for its clarity and emotional depth, particularly in the romantic dialogue of the first Impromptu and the rapid sixteenth notes in the last. However, some listeners felt that his interpretation lacked the imaginative freedom and boldness that the term "impromptu" typically suggests. The highlight of the recital came with Lu's performance of Chopin's Ballade No. 4 (Op. 52), where he demonstrated a strong narrative sense and emotional depth. His interpretation conveyed a story of pain that shifted between tension and calm, with each reprise of the main theme adding new layers of meaning. The performance reached a powerful climax in the coda, described as a deeply moving cry. After a refined and noble rendition of Chopin's youthful Polonaise (Op. 71 No. 2), Lu continued with Chopin's Third Sonata (Op. 58), further showcasing his affinity for Chopin's music. His Maestoso Allegro was noted for its balance of strength and tenderness, followed by a dazzling Scherzo and a poignant Largo, a lyrical high point of the sonata. His interpretation was described as restrained, allowing the music's emotional core to shine through. The recital ended with three encores: a gentle Rêverie by Robert Schumann from Scènes d'enfants (Op. 15), a breathtaking Grande Valse (Op. 42) by Chopin, and the Aria from Bach's Goldberg Variations, performed with remarkable simplicity and elegance. Each piece was received with enthusiastic applause, underscoring the audience's appreciation for Lu's artistry and emotional expressiveness.