Lang Lang

Lang Lang is a leading figure in classical music today — as a pianist, educator, and philanthropist he has become one of the world’s most influential and committed ambassadors for the arts in the 21st century. Equally happy playing for billions of viewers at the 2008 Olympic Opening Ceremony in Beijing or just for a few hundred children, he is a master of communicating through music.

Heralded by The New York Times as “the hottest artist on the classical music planet,” Lang Lang plays sold-out concerts all over the world. He has formed ongoing collaborations with conductors including Sir Simon Rattle, Gustavo Dudamel, and Daniel Barenboim and performs with all the world’s top orchestras. Lang Lang also frequently steps into different musical worlds; his performances at the Grammy Awards with Metallica, Pharrell Williams, and Herbie Hancock were watched by millions of viewers.

In 2008, he founded the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, aimed at cultivating tomorrow’s top pianists, championing music education, and building young audiences. In 2013, Lang Lang was designated a United Nations Messenger of Peace for his focus on global education.

Lang Lang started playing piano at age 3 and won First Prize at the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians at 13. He subsequently studied at the Curtis Institute of Music with Gary Graffman. Lang Lang’s big break came at 17, when he substituted in a performance of Tchaikovsky’s First Piano Concerto with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Lang Lang’s boundless drive to attract new audiences to classical music has brought him tremendous recognition. He was presented with the 2010 Crystal Award in Davos, was named one of the 250 Young Global Leaders by the World Economic Forum, and holds honors from Germany, France, and the People’s Republic of China. He is also the recipient of honorary doctorates from London’s Royal College of Music, the Manhattan School of Music, and New York University. In 2016, Lang Lang was invited to the Vatican to perform for Pope Francis. He has also performed for numerous other international dignitaries, including four US presidents and monarchs from many nations.

Visit langlangofficial.com and langlangfoundation.org for more information.