Eighty-seven-year-old piano maestro Lau Sze Kwan recently ignored the shadow cast by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and travelled all the way to Russia with his wife their two beloved children. The family put on the concert "Lau Sze Kwan International Music Tour – Masters and Young Talents 2026" in Saint Petersburg on 28 July and Moscow on 30 July. Lau shared the stage with outstanding young musicians from mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. He performed classics including Yellow River Cantata and My Motherland, captivating the entire audience.
Lau Sze Kwan has profound historical ties with Russia. As early as 68 years ago, then 19-year-old Lau claimed second prize at the inaugural International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition and spent his formative student years in Russia. During this artistic trip, Lau and his wife met Alexander Sokolov, former Russian Minister of Culture and outgoing Rector of the Tchaikovsky Conservatory of Music, Lau's alma mater. The two hit it off immediately and enjoyed a heartfelt exchange.
Returning to perform in his old haunt, Lay demonstrated undiminished virtuosity. He delivered a stellar joint performance alongside a cohort of promising young musicians from across Chinese mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Lau also invited rising Russian pianist Aleksandr Kliuchko, winner of the Rachmaninoff International Music Competition, to serve as the award presenter.
Lau shared his profound sentiments: "Music knows no borders. Bringing the younger generation onto the international stage this time feels like a long-cherished dream come true." He also revealed that Victor Zuo, a symphony director he has known for decades, is expected to bring his ballet troupe to Hong Kong next year to mark the 30th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China for a collaborative performance.
Centered on the theme of "heritage and musical succession," the Masters and Young Talents concert put Lau's two children firmly in the spotlight. His two-year-old youngest son Lau Tim Tim became the biggest crowd favourite. Undaunted by the grand occasion, Tim Tim joined his mother for a tender ensemble rendition of If You're Happy and You Know It, perfectly showcasing the extraordinary musical pedigree of this artistic family.
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