Four summers ago, Kuok-Wai Lio came to the United States from China to study piano in Lawrence.As part of the annual International Institute for Young Musicians at Kansas University, he was one of a handful of elite students invited to compete and learn from top teachers. He even won that year’s piano competition.Fast-forward four years. Lio, 20, has already made a name for himself in the world of piano music, winning top honors at several international competitions. He also has performed with several orchestras, including the Hong Kong Philharmonic, Pan Asia, Guangzhou, North Arkansas and Russian symphony orchestras, as well as the China Philharmonic.This weekend, he’ll return to Lawrence to performance with the Kansas City Symphony at the Lied Center. The performance is at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, and Lio will play Felix Mendelssohn’s Concerto in D-Minor.Here’s a quick Q&A I did with him via e-mail this week, when he was still in China.Q. What are your best memories of being here in Lawrence?A. It was the first time that I ever came to America. The town is lovely. The university has great halls and wonderful pianos.Q. How did the IIYM help you musically?A. I could not have gone this far without participating (in) IIYM. It is still inspiring and motivating me in a way. It was where I first encountered … American audiences, teachers and friends.Q. What are the biggest differences between performing in the United States and in China?A. I think the American audience is far more passionate. They listen to the beautiful music and not being judgmental on your playing, in general.Q. Since you’ve had success at an early age, how do you continue to improve your skills?A. I would not use the word “success,” but I am fortunate to be able to do what I enjoy about music and life. Life is a journey, and it involves uncountable ups and downs.Q. How do you describe the piece you’ll be playing with the Kansas City Symphony?A. It is a huge challenge for me, as it is not an often-heard piece. To me, this piece is religious in a way, and the opening reminds me of the oratorio “Elijah.” The concert commemorates the 200th anniversary of (Mendelssohn’s) birth.Q. What will it be like for you to be back at the Lied Center to perform?A. It is like home to me. It is where I first performed in this country.