Pianist and his protege perform dialogue in masterful harmony

 In French composer Francis Poulenc's Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra in D Minor, no voice ever stands alone.

Though written for two pianos and full orchestra, the piece isn't a typical "double soloist" showcase; it's a musical dialogue — whimsical, witty and full of character — where each piano listens, answers, teases and supports the other in a vivid conversation that spans the entire performance.

This June, that conversation takes on new meaning as a celebrated pianist and his protege perform it side by side.

On June 14, under the baton of conductor Yu Ji and joined by the China Philharmonic Orchestra, Kong Jianing, a veteran pianist and professor at London's Royal College of Music, will return to the stage not just as a soloist, but also as a mentor. Sharing the piano bench is Zeng Beibei, a rising 21-year-old talent and Kong's student, making her debut in the world of double piano concertos.

"This is my first time performing a piano duo with a student, and also my first time tackling a double piano concerto with another artist," says Kong, who has performed throughout the United Kingdom, the United States, Europe and Asia.