WIN AN OPPORTUNITY TO SEE YUNDI LI IN SAN FRANCISCO!
With the generosity of the world-renowned San Francisco Symphony, a few lucky people will win an extraordinary opportunity to experience the phenomenal pianist and Chinese superstar Yundi Li, Live in Concert at Davies Symphony Hall in October! Simply attend the Northern California Premiere screening of "The Young Romantic" on May 20th and enter the drawing. Winners will be announced during the show.
SYNOPSIS
At age 25, classical piano virtuoso Yundi Li has already accomplished what most musicians only dream of. Following the artist as he prepares for a monumental concert with the Berlin Philharmonic, we experience the grandeur of classical performance and the behind-the-scenes work that goes into it.
From VIFF: Barbara Willis Sweete's (Perfect Pie, VIFF 02) heartfelt and forward-looking portrait of Chinese classical pianist Yundi Li interweaves his life story with preparations for his debut performance alongside the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra and the growth of piano culture in China. The documentary skillfully weaves in details about Li's life through interviews with his primary ensemble: parents, grandparents, teachers and Seiji Ozawa--his conductor in Berlin. One striking example of a nurturing influence, prompting Li's passion for music is the footage of first music teacher Mrs. Tan. Her remarkable zeal for her accordion students provides an insight into the environment that enabled Li to master the instrument by the age of four, before moving on to the piano.
While a typical biopic would be happy to focus only on Li and the fame he has earned as the youngest winner of the International Chopin Competition at the age of 18: Willis Sweete goes a step further by juxtaposing Li's youth and talent with the incredible growth of piano culture in China. Shots of factories producing row upon row of pianos, and shots of large hallways lined with soundproof rooms where children practice under their teacher's watchful eyes, provide staggering examples of how Li is just one part of the Chinese vanguard in classical music.
In Competition for Best Documentary Feature Film
SELECT FESTIVALS AND AWARDS
• Top 10 Canadian Films, 2008 Vancouver International Film Festival
• Official Selection, 2008 Vancouver International Film Festival
• Official Selection, 2009 Palm Springs International Film Festival
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SHOWTIMES
WED. 5/20 at 7:30PM
Stockton Empire Theatre
SUN. 5/24 at 2:00PM
Stockton Empire Theatre
FILM TICKETS
$10.00 General
$9.00 Senior/Student
$8.00 Member
• order tickets online
CAST AND CREW
Production Company: Rhombus Media, Inc.
Screenwriter: Barbara Willis Sweete
Producer: Niv Fichman, Jessica Daniel, Barbara Willis Sweete
Cinematographer: Milan Podsedly, CSC
Editor: Robert Swartz
Music: Various Classical Music Composers
Principal Cast: Yundi Li, Maestro Seiji Ozawa
Languages: English, Mandarin
SOURCES
Print Source:
Rhombus Media
www.rhombusmedia.com
SPECIAL THANKS
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