Lang Lang takes on NCPA role

Lang Lang will stage a piano concerto at the National Center for the Performing Arts in April. [Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily]

Chinese pianist Lang Lang, who has played to sold-out venues around the world, performed with world-renowned orchestras, and has performed at the Beijing Olympic Games and the Grammy Awards, is now taking on a new role. He will be artist-in-residence at the National Center for the Performing Arts for 2017-18.

Before Lang, 33, others who have held the position were cellist Wang Jian, pianist Wang Yuja and composer Chen Qigang.

According to NCPA vice-president Li Zhixiang, the appointment, which marks the 10th anniversary of the theater, will see a piano recital by Lang on April 8, a joint performance by Lang and the NCPA Orchestra under the baton of Zubin Mehta, as well as two joint performances by Lang and the NCPA Symphony Orchestra during the ensemble's North American tour in October.

The pianist will also conduct masterclasses at the NCPA as part of its art education programs.

"Lang Lang is a role model for young people, not just for millions of classical music students, but also for others in China. He bridges cultures with his music and he is an icon," says Li.