The power of perfectionism

As a pianist, Luo Wei is no stranger to the profound power of music and is able to channel both the darkest depths of despair and the brightest glimmers of hope. On Saturday, she releases her new album, Through the Storm, a deeply personal exploration of her struggles, triumphs, and her transformation through music.

This double-CD album, recorded with the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra under the baton of conductor Lin Daye, features four monumental works — Prokofiev's Piano Concertos No 2 and No 3, and Rachmaninoff's Piano Concertos No 2 and No 3. These emotionally rich and deeply complex pieces serve as the perfect backdrop for Luo's journey of self-discovery.

"I've always believed that music can be a form of therapy," says the 26-year-old musician. "Through this project, I want to show that music isn't just a tool for performance; it's a way to transform and understand our struggles. The storms we face aren't only external; often, they're within us. Music can be the bridge that helps us overcome them."

Conductor Lin, music director and principal conductor of the Shenzhen Symphony Orchestra, says, "From the very beginning, our idea was to feature Russia's most classic four works — the most representative piano concertos of both Prokofiev and Rachmaninoff. Initially, we planned to include them in our concert season, but as the rehearsals and performances progressed, we felt that everything was going exceptionally well. We then decided to record these pieces and create an album, so that we could leave a beautiful memory for the audience." He adds that these four works are considered among the most challenging and profound in the piano concerto repertoire.

"Luo mastered these demanding pieces. Whether it's her technical skills or her understanding of the music, she thoroughly impressed us throughout the entire process," notes Lin. "In fact, we completed the entire recording in a very short time. These four large-scale works are a huge challenge for any great pianist, but she handled them with ease and recorded them effortlessly. This shows that her repertoire and her ability to manage such large works are far beyond many others."

Along with the album, Luo is also releasing a personal short film, titled The Melody of Twilight. She not only starred in the film but also co-wrote and produced it, marking her first foray into filmmaking. The film will be released online on Sunday. Together with the album, the two will work in tandem to tell a more complete, multidimensional story.

The short film follows the journey of Li Sha, a young pianist played by Luo, who battles severe depression and its physical manifestations. Through this narrative, Luo delves into the complex relationship between music and mental health, illustrating how music, much like friendship, can provide a lifeline in moments of crisis.

As Li slowly begins to heal, she is haunted by the memory of her late pianist friend, Anna, whose death, compounded by her own struggles with depression, forms the emotional core of the story. Ultimately, Li finds a path to self-redemption, guided by music and the unspoken bond between women.

"The music in the album and the film work hand in hand to tell a meaningful story," Luo says. "The storm in the music is abstract, representing the turmoil we all go through in life. I wanted to give the film a human face through the character of Li Sha. She is not just a reflection of me but of every young woman who faces inner struggles and seeks a way out."

Creating a cohesive narrative between music and film was no easy feat. Luo faced significant challenges in trying to align the music with the character's emotional arc. For the darker moments of Li's journey, Prokofiev's intensely brooding Piano Concerto No 2 was chosen to reflect her despair. As Li begins her recovery, Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No 2, with its themes of healing and rebirth, accompanies her emotional transformation.

Additionally, Luo took on the challenging task of acting, an area far outside her comfort zone as a music performer. To ensure her portrayal of Li was authentic, she spent months working with a coach to perfect her acting technique. She focused on mastering subtle nuances in facial expressions, body language and vocal delivery, skills that differ greatly from her usual stage performances.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the short film is the poetry written by the pianist herself, drawn from her personal experiences of hardship. These poems, which have already been published in literary journals, reflect her journey through dark moments and add an intimate, poetic layer to the film's visual storytelling.

"I composed the poems during difficult times in my life. I wanted the audience not only to hear the music but also to feel the raw emotions the music represents. The poetry acts as a bridge between the music and the character's journey," she says.

Luo's desire to blend music, film, poetry, and other forms of art speaks to her vision of creating a more complete and immersive storytelling experience. "The idea of combining these different media allows me to tell a more nuanced story," she says. "Each project adds another layer, creating a multidimensional experience for the audience."

Born and raised in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, Luo's love for the piano began at a young age. She began learning the piano at 5 and gave her debut recital in Hong Kong just a year later. A winner of numerous competitions in China, Luo also claimed first prize at the 11th Chopin International Competition for Young Pianists in Poland and the 2nd Rachmaninoff International Piano Competition for Young Pianists in Germany in 2010. At just 13, she was accepted to the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she studied under Gary Graffman and Robert McDonald.

At 16, Luo signed with Decca Gold, a label under Universal Music Group. In 2019, she released her eponymous debut album, featuring works by Maurice Ravel, Dmitri Shostakovich, Joseph Haydn, and Sergey Prokofiev. The album catapulted her into the spotlight, making the 19-year-old Luo a rising star in the classical music world.

Despite her success, Luo often grapples with the pressures that come with being a young, highly skilled musician. "As a pianist, I often feel like I'm balancing on a razor's edge," she says. "The expectations from my parents, my teachers, and the music community are heavy. Sometimes, it feels like I'm playing in a void. Hours of practice, perfecting every note, every phrase, and yet the silence of the room often feels more deafening than the music. I lose track of time, of life outside the piano, and it becomes just me and the keys. But it's in those moments that I push myself the hardest."

She continues, "Competitions are brutal. They're not just about your talent; they're about being noticed, being seen in a world filled with so many incredible musicians. There's a constant fear of being overlooked, of not standing out enough to be remembered. It's not enough to play well; you have to be something extraordinary, something unforgettable."

Despite the intense pressure, Luo is determined to continue pushing forward and hopes that her work will resonate with others facing similar struggles.

"I hope my music can be a source of comfort for the younger generation, especially those navigating the confusion and uncertainty of today's fast-paced, high-pressure world," she says. "We're all facing moments of self-doubt and questioning our worth. I want my work to be there as a companion, a reminder that we're not alone in our struggles. Through my music, I want to offer something that can help people find a sense of direction, even in the midst of chaos."