Pianist out to carry music to kids' ears

By Chen Jie (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-11-14 09:38

Lang Lang no longer likes to be called a "prodigy". After all, he is all of 27 years old, and one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World.

Lang continues to perform across the world, his nimble fingers reminding music connoisseurs of the virtuosity of Franz Liszt and Anton Rubinstein. But now he sees inspiring talented youngsters and sharing his music with people from all walks of life as his main task.

And he did share his music when he played Today Is Your Birthday, My Motherland at Tian'anmen Square on Oct 1 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Weeks before that, CNN had begun following him for Revealed, a program offering a glimpse into the private lives of leading thinkers, celebrities and inspirational leaders. The program, to be broadcast from Nov 18 to 23, will show how Lang Lang has made it his mission to share classical music around the world, especially with children.

"When I started playing the piano at three and even after I had won some competitions in my teens my vague idea about a pianist was traveling around the world to give performances I have such a busy schedule nowadays but then I've realized I can do more than just perform."

Lang said this to China Daily on Friday over the phone from Washington, where he was scheduled to perform with the American National Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Andrew Litton, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Friday night.

His longing to support talented young pianists and to enrich the lives of kids prompted him to launch the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, with the support of Grammy's and the United Nations Children's Fund, in New York in October last year. The program was extended to Europe in April.

He has now selected five "lucky birds", each of whom will get a scholarship of $5,000 a year and the chance to be coached by Lang once every three months.

The program will be expanded to cover China possibly next month, when Lang will return home to give concerts.

"I was lucky to get the opportunity to audition for and study with very distinguished musicians when I was young. Without their support, I couldn't have been as successful Now, I would like to provide similar opportunities to young pianists," he said.

Lang was a celebrity even before the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. But his performance at the Games' Opening Ceremony turned him into a symbol of China's youth and future. Today, he is the model of more than 35 million Chinese children learning to play the piano. Call it the "Lang Lang effect", if you will.

The frenzy surrounding Lang in China has prompted iconic piano-maker Steinway to create its first instrument in someone's name.

"Through music, I want children to see a different dimension of life. I want to show them how music can help them realize their dreams," Lang said.

Heralded as the "hottest artist on the classical music planet" by The New York Times, Lang started playing the piano at three, won his first competition at five, attracted world attention at 17, and has been hailed as the "future of classical music" for a decade. Does he feel overburdened at times?

"No," he said. "I was under great pressure when I started But since my father really pushed me hard when I was young. I've got used to it."

He is always full of life and hunger for adventure, but does he feel down sometimes?

"Of course I am human. At times, I really feel annoyed. But luckily, I am not the type who struggles with his mood for long. When I don't feel good, I take a deep breath and play a peaceful piece such as Bach's. Then, everything is okay," he said.