Pianist and his protege perform dialogue in masterful harmony

In French composer Francis Poulenc's Concerto for Two Pianos and Orchestra in D Minor, no voice ever stands alone.

Though written for two pianos and full orchestra, the piece isn't a typical "double soloist" showcase; it's a musical dialogue — whimsical, witty and full of character — where each piano listens, answers, teases and supports the other in a vivid conversation that spans the entire performance.

This June, that conversation takes on new meaning as a celebrated pianist and his protege perform it side by side.

On June 14, under the baton of conductor Yu Ji and joined by the China Philharmonic Orchestra, Kong Jianing, a veteran pianist and professor at London's Royal College of Music, will return to the stage not just as a soloist, but also as a mentor. Sharing the piano bench is Zeng Beibei, a rising 21-year-old talent and Kong's student, making her debut in the world of double piano concertos.

"This is my first time performing a piano duo with a student, and also my first time tackling a double piano concerto with another artist," says Kong, who has performed throughout the United Kingdom, the United States, Europe and Asia.

"It will be a completely new experience for me."

Their shared history as teacher and student has laid a solid foundation. "We've spent years understanding each other musically," he adds.

"That makes our interpretations aligned and our ensemble work incredibly fluid."

For Zeng, the music creates vivid images — a tale of "two cities" in one.

"The first piano feels like Paris by day — bright, lively, full of movement and curiosity," she says.

"Then the second piano, which I play, brings out Paris at night — quieter, more mysterious, with deeper harmonies and a slower rhythm."

The concert program also includes Mozart's Concerto No 10 in E-flat Major for Two Pianos, offering a striking contrast.

"Mozart gives us balance and clarity," Zeng notes.

"Poulenc responds with humor and unexpected turns. It feels like two composers across centuries speaking to each other."

Kong has high praise for his young collaborator. "Beibei is a musician of deep sensitivity and vivid imagination. She's passionate, committed, and listens intently. She's not only a soloist with a distinct voice, but also a quick, intuitive partner. I'm genuinely excited to share the stage with her."

For Zeng, this isn't her first time with the China Philharmonic Orchestra, but it's no less significant. In 2018, Zeng, then 14, performed Beethoven's Piano Concerto No 1 with the orchestra during a charity concert in Beijing.

She says she remembers the rehearsals clearly.

"It was my first real taste of professional discipline — tight schedules and serious expectations. It helped me understand how to be a soloist and a true part of an ensemble," she recalls.

Later next month, Zeng and Kong will bring Poulenc's concerto to another stage. On June 22, they'll perform with the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra under the baton of conductor Zhang Guoyong at Xinghai Concert Hall in Guangzhou, Guangdong province.

"It's my first time working with that orchestra," says Zeng.

"It's both exciting and demanding. I'm preparing with care — making sure every note isn't just in my fingers, but in my whole body."

Zeng's musical journey began in Beijing, where she started piano lessons at the age of 4. She was introduced to the instrument by her parents as part of a well-rounded education. But for Zeng, it quickly became more than that. "The piano fascinated me," she recalls. "Its size, its sound — it felt like a world I had to grow into."

What began as childhood curiosity evolved into a deeper, more disciplined relationship — one built on long practice hours, steady progress, and a growing sense of musical responsibility.

Now a student at the Royal College of Music, Zeng admits that becoming a professional pianist wasn't always the plan. "At first, I just wanted to give it a try. But when I got accepted, I thought if I'm going to study this seriously, I want to see how far I can go." She will graduate in 2026.

Outside the classical world, Zeng also composes her own music, often influenced by pop and improvisation.

"When I compose, I don't worry about getting every note perfect," she says. "It's more about being honest. It's a different way of connecting with myself."