Interviewer: Yuja, it’s a pleasure to speak with you. You’ve been described as an artist who brings incredible emotional honesty to the stage. How do you approach each performance to make it feel like “its own life” as you famously stated in your New York Times interview?

Yuja Wang: Thank you for having me. I’ve always believed that music is a living thing—it’s never static. When I step onto the stage, I don’t approach it as a routine or a set of notes to be played. Every concert is a chance to be fully present, to connect with the audience in the moment, and to share how I feel emotionally through the music. This is why I like to approach each program as a reflection of how I feel at that time. It’s about being spontaneous, letting go of any preconceptions, and allowing the music to take its own shape.

Interviewer: You’ve just wrapped up a monumental performance at Carnegie Hall, playing Rachmaninoff’s complete works in a single afternoon. What was it like to be a part of such a historic event, and how did you manage the energy required for such an intense program?

Yuja Wang: It was absolutely thrilling! Rachmaninoff’s music is so rich and emotional, and to perform all four of his piano concertos along with the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini was both an honor and a challenge. But with Yannick Nézet-Séguin and the Philadelphia Orchestra, the energy was electric. We were all feeding off of each other’s passion, which made it an unforgettable experience. As for the energy—it’s a lot, but I think when you love the music so much, it becomes less about endurance and more about giving everything to the moment. The connection with the audience also keeps you going; seeing the audience’s reactions, especially in such a prestigious venue, was incredibly motivating.

Interviewer: You’ve recently performed the world premiere of Magnus Lindberg’s Piano Concerto No.3. What drew you to this work, and how did you prepare for such a monumental piece?

Yuja Wang: I’ve always been fascinated by contemporary music, and Magnus Lindberg’s Piano Concerto No.3 is so dynamic and full of unexpected turns—it’s exhilarating to perform. The piece is technically challenging but also deeply expressive. Preparing for it involved a lot of work, but I enjoy the process of diving into the unfamiliar. With contemporary pieces, there’s always something new to discover, and the beauty of working with composers like Lindberg is that you get to explore a sound world that doesn’t exist anywhere else. It’s a thrilling opportunity, and I’m excited to take this piece to more audiences around the world.

Interviewer: You’ve been described by the Financial Times as having a greater depth in your musicianship, drawing audiences in with compelling immediacy. How has your playing evolved over the years, especially in terms of your connection to the composers you perform?

Yuja Wang: I’ve always been passionate about expressing the music with as much depth as possible, but over the years, I’ve definitely become more aware of how to connect with the heart of each piece. As a young pianist, I was often focused on technique—getting everything perfect. Now, I feel like I’ve moved beyond that, and I’m more focused on the nuances, on capturing the emotional essence of the music. Each composer has a unique world, and I want to draw my listeners into that world, whether it’s Beethoven’s timeless genius or Ligeti’s complex textures. It’s about truly understanding the emotional core of the music and sharing that experience with the audience.

Interviewer: You’ve had such an incredible journey, from your early days in Beijing to becoming a global artist with a distinguished career. What would you say has been the most rewarding part of your musical journey so far?

Yuja Wang: It’s difficult to pinpoint one specific moment, because every part of the journey has been incredibly rewarding. But I think the most rewarding part has been the opportunity to share music with so many different people around the world. Performing in such diverse cultures and cities, and seeing how music can bring people together—that’s been a constant source of joy for me. I also feel incredibly fortunate to work with such amazing conductors, orchestras, and musicians who inspire me every day. The people I’ve met and the places I’ve been have all shaped me into the artist I am today.

Interviewer: Looking ahead, what can your fans expect from your upcoming performances and future projects?

Yuja Wang: There’s always something exciting on the horizon! I have some wonderful recital tours planned, where I’ll be presenting a mix of new works and beloved repertoire. I’m also continuing to explore new collaborations with composers and conductors, which always brings fresh ideas to my performances. And of course, I’ll continue to push myself in terms of programming, finding new ways to connect with audiences. I want every concert to be a meaningful experience, both for me and for the audience.

Interviewer: Yuja, thank you so much for your time. It’s been such a pleasure speaking with you.

Yuja Wang: Thank you! It’s been a joy to talk with you. I’m excited for what’s to come and can’t wait to share it all with the audiences.