This Sunday evening, the city’s beloved pianist Chen Sa will return to the Shenzhen Concert Hall, presenting a journey through classical works from the Baroque to Romantic periods.

Pianist Chen Sa. Photo by Shu He

Audiences will be carried into her musical world — exploring the exquisitely crafted universe of Bach, immersing themselves in the profound melodies of Franck, feeling the majestic grandeur of Beethoven, and lingering in the tender poetry of Chopin’s works.

Praised by Classic FM as “one of the brightest performers of her generation,” Chen has collaborated with celebrated conductors such as Semyon Bychkov, Edo de Waart, Sir Simon Rattle, Yu Long, and Tang Muhai. She has also performed with renowned orchestras including the Israel Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

With over 10 albums released on labels such as JVC, IMC, Harmonia Mundi, Pentatone, and Universal Music, Chen’s recordings have garnered wide recognition. Her Pentatone album of Chopin was selected as a “Best CD of the Month” by Classic FM. In 2015, BIS Records released her album “Memories Lost,” featuring contemporary Chinese compositions, followed in 2019 by a complete recording of Debussy’s “Preludes.”

Her 2021 album “Frédéric Chopin: 21 Nocturnes” revealed unexpected depth and emotional richness in these familiar works. Last year, she collaborated with Grammy-winning producer Rainer Maillard on “Liszt: Sonata in B Minor – Schumann: Kreisleriana & Arabesque,” an album that brings together two of the most complex and psychologically penetrating piano works of the Romantic era — demonstrating her artistic courage to move beyond “safe” repertoire into uncharted creative waters.

In 2010, the Polish government awarded Chen the prestigious Chopin Art Passport in recognition of her contribution to Chopin’s music during the composer’s bicentennial year.

Chen began her professional career in her early teens, earning critical acclaim at the Leeds, Chopin, and Van Cliburn international piano competitions. She is also a Steinway Artist.

Sunday’s program will open with Bach’s “French Suite No. 5 in G Major,” distinguished by its bright rhythms and elegant harmonies, followed by Franck’s “Prélude, Choral et Fugue” — a Romantic homage to Bach’s tradition. 

After intermission, Beethoven’s improvisatory and passionate “Fantasia in G Minor” will unfold through freely shifting moods and musical ideas. The evening will culminate with Chopin’s monumental “Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor,” a pinnacle of the Romantic piano repertoire.

Expect an evening of timeless classics, delivered through Chen Sa’s crystalline touch, fiery intensity, and heartfelt lyricism.

Tickets: 80-480 yuan

Time: 8 p.m., Dec. 14

Venue: Shenzhen Concert Hall, Futian District (深圳音樂廳)   

Metro: Line 3 or 4 to Children's Palace Station (少年宮站), Exit D