My Chinese name is Runzhi Li, and my English name is Oscar. I had been learning to play the instrument “Guzheng” for at least eight years. I’m currently 16 years old and studying as an international freshman at Moses Brown School in Providence, Rhode Island, USA. My hometown is Jinan, Shandong, China.
Through my instrument, I have received several prizes in international competitions, including the 2024 A. Mittag International Music Festival and International Music Elite Invitational Competition, the 11th ASIA INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL (2024), etc., as well as various domestic contests in my home province of Shandong. In addition, I have attained the 10th-level certification in the Chinese Guzheng instrumental evaluation system.
Playing my instrument brought me not only awards and recognition but also immense joy. I believe my music has brought happiness to many listeners, including myself, while also providing them with great opportunities to experience Chinese traditional music. Although my playing is not without flaws, I always remind myself that imperfection is an inevitable part of my journey. However, with this consciousness, I still constantly strive to improve to reach the unreachable perfection.
I hope everyone who reads this letter will appreciate my music and the glorious, rich culture behind it. Thank you sincerely!
Watch Runzhi Li perform The Night Flight of Lin Chong by Xunzhi Wang and Xiutang Lu on the guzheng for the 2025 Virtuoso Music Competition as part of the Charleston International Music Competition.