Yun Zeng x Zijian Wei—A Horn and Piano Fairytale Adventure

Horns, humour, and Hansel and Gretel

Here’s an inspiring story for tomorrow’s superstar soloists: Yun Zeng took his first music lesson at age six from his own father. He was on stage just four years later, making an orchestral debut with the Sichuan Symphony Orchestra. Set on this calling for life, the Chinese virtuoso won the vote to become the Principal Horn of the Berliner Philharmoniker at just 24 following an arduous audition process in front of the entire orchestra.

All that hard work paid off, but today Zeng remains humble at heart—and enjoys nothing more than sharing the magic of classical music with the world. Jokes and funny asides are all part of the programme for this feted virtuoso, especially when performing with his best buddy Zijian Wei, winner of the 2024 Cleveland International Piano Competition.

A Hansel and Gretel suite arranged for horn and piano sits at the centre of this special family friendly afternoon programme. Based on the beloved Brothers Grimm bedtime story, the 1893 opera tells the timeless tale of two siblings who outwit an evil witch in a dark forest—an enchanting fairytale that has captivated families for generations.

Shorter fun pieces include Rimsky-Korsakov’s audio cartoon Flight of the Bumblebee—aurally evoking an insect’s frantic flight—and the regal Rondo from Mozart’s Horn Concerto No 4. A flurry of bent notes and swing opens the afternoon in Zeng’s dexterous, jazz-influenced unaccompanied horn solo, Happy Blues.

During the concert, the pair will also take time out for a brief educational talk. Zeng will demonstrate how the modern horn compares with its valve-free predecessor, the early natural horn. With no valve to operate, how does he even change the note?

There will be a Meet-the-Artist session after the performance.

Advance Bookings will start at 10am on 7 October 2026