By: Leo Mercer
At 18 years old, American pianist and Young Steinway Artist Belle Chi has completed a major artistic milestone: the recording of Frédéric Chopin’s Piano Concertos Nos. 1 and 2, captured as her debut orchestral album in Paris.
For a pianist still in her teens, undertaking both of Chopin’s piano concertos in a single recording project represents a significant artistic commitment. Yet for Chi, who studies with pianist Alexandre Moutouzkine, the experience was defined not by pressure, but by curiosity, inspiration, and a deep connection with the music.
“People often think that I must be under a lot of pressure when they hear about this project. But actually, the preparation process was not stressful at all. In fact, it was an incredibly enjoyable experience. Imagine having the opportunity to live with and explore two of the most beautiful works in classical music history every day for months. I feel so lucky to have had that opportunity.”
The project brings together two of Chopin’s most celebrated works for piano and orchestra, spanning nearly 85 minutes of music. Written during the composer’s early years, the concertos reveal two distinct sides of Chopin’s artistic identity: the youthful brilliance, virtuosity and dramatic energy of the First Concerto, and the introspective lyricism, elegance and emotional intimacy of the Second.
For Chi, preparing these works was not simply about mastering their technical challenges. It became an extended exploration of Chopin’s musical language, the relationship between soloist and orchestra, the architecture of each movement, and the delicate balance between freedom and structure that defines the composer’s style.
Months of preparation allowed her to live deeply with the repertoire, discovering new colours, emotions and possibilities within the music. Rather than approaching the recording as a test of endurance, Chi viewed it as an opportunity for artistic growth and deeper understanding.
The recording was made with conductor Massimiliano Caldi, under the artistic direction of pianist Congyu Wang, with production by Matthew Dilley. The international collaboration brought together musicians dedicated to capturing the expressive depth and character of Chopin’s orchestral writing.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the project for Chi was the opportunity to perform alongside an orchestra.
“I’ve always loved performing with orchestras. This past season, I’ve performed with orchestras around ten times, and every time I step on stage with one, I feel like I become a better pianist. They inspire me to listen more deeply, to think beyond the piano, and to become part of something much bigger than myself. The orchestra gives me an incredible sense of support and energy, and that’s what makes the experience so rewarding.”
The recording also marked an important moment of personal transformation.
“After this recording, I feel like I’ve grown up a lot. It changed me, not just as a pianist, but as a person. I feel much more mature now, and I think I’ve developed a deeper emotional understanding of the music.”
Having performed internationally across North America, Europe and Asia, Chi sees the album as more than a recording achievement. It represents a period of artistic development, a chance to deepen her relationship with one of classical music’s most influential composers while continuing to shape her own musical identity.
The forthcoming 2027 release will offer listeners a portrait of Chopin’s two piano concertos through the perspective of a teenage artist at the beginning of her recording career, capturing a period of musical growth, exploration and artistic transformation.
