"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.