When three-year-old Zhang Shengliang climbed atop a piano bench and played unaided though a book of fundamental exercises, he was covered in the cloak of prodigy. His parents (his father is a music teacher and the owner of a music school) were proud and excited, and began to help him hone his art.
Schoolmates, however, proved more difficult to win over. Shengliang, or NiuNiu as he is popularly known, spoke to Gulf News tabloid! ahead of his concert at the One and Only Royal Mirage on March 3 about his childhood, UAE set and what his fans can expect next.
In an email interview, Niu Niu says, “I did notice that some of my peers in my elementary and middle school treated me quite differently as they always asked me to demonstrate some very difficult music passages, or express[ed] envious attitude[s]. But I always try to share my thoughts as thoroughly as possible… music making should always involve coherence and generosity.”
It’s a belief that has fared well for the entertainer. At age 10 he became the youngest to sign a music contract with the label EMI Classics; in 2008, he debuted with Niu Niu Plays Mozart.
Now, 10 years on, the musician has “signed a contract with Universal Music Group for Decca label”. He is also on his way to graduation from the Juilliard School in New York in May, and excited about what’s to come next.
“I could finally pursue my dream as a full-time concert pianist, as well as a recording artist,” he explains. “I truly wish to bring positive energy to every corner of this rapidly growing but somewhat turbulent world.”
Taking about his show in the emirate, he explained: “All the pieces are composed in the Romantic era, which also happens to be one of my favourite kinds of classical music. I would like to share the utmost passion and dedication toward music that have motivated me in the past many years… I will be playing all the pieces I recorded in my new album, which will be released very soon, including Liszt B minor Sonata and Chopin Impromptus, as well as [some] favourites such as Chopin Barcarolle and Scherzo.”
When asked about what he would like to do had he been unable to play piano, NiuNiu seemed befuddled.
“I cannot imagine my life without music. If someday I won’t be able to play piano, I will still involve profoundly with music, in any kind, as I feel music IS my life now: not only as my professional career but also as my lifelong best friend and mentor,” he says.
Absolute commitment or innate talent — what makes a prodigy? Perhaps it’s a melody with both.
Did you know?
Niu means Ox in mandarin. Zhang Shengliang explains why the moniker caught on.
“My parents first gave that to be since my birth, because I was born in the year of Ox according to the Lunar Calendar, and Niu means ox in Chinese. It gradually became my stage name since my first performance in Europe at the age of seven: all the foreigners found it very easy to remember, compare[d] to my real Chinese name.”
Don’t miss it!
Tickets to NiuNiu’s show at the One and Only Royal Mirage on March 3 start at Dh263.
