Pop goes classical piano for Christmas

Chinese pianist Lang Lang will hold a Christmas Eve concert at Beijing's MasterCard Center (formerly the Wukesong Arena) with the China Philharmonic Orchestra.

Singaporean pop star JJ Lin (Lin Junjie) will appear as guest performer to give a crossover performance with Lang. Lang has also participated in the recording of Lin's latest album, which is due for release at the end of the year.

Lang says he hopes such crossover performances will attract more young Chinese people's interest in classical music.

It's been a busy and fruitful year for Lang, who received an honorary doctorate in music from the UK's Royal College of Music from Prince Charles in May; became an ambassador for the Shenzhen Universiade in August; and played with the Philadelphia Orchestra in October to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Liszt. Lang will also open the first piano school named after him in Shenzhen in 2012.

China Daily

(China Daily 12/21/2011 page20)