Meet the new frontiersman

Photos provided to China Daily

"The Mercedes-Benz Arena has become the premium lifestyle and entertainment destination in Shanghai," says Cao Zhiying, vice-chairman of the Oriental Pearl Group and chairman of AEG-OPG Culture and Sports (Shanghai) Co.

"We see arenas in China as a very vibrant model, where top artists can easily sell 10,000 tickets, but stadiums are still a few years off due to their larger size," says Cappo. "There are few artists, local or international, that can sell out a stadium."

Cao describes Cappo as "a bridge between East and West".

"He brings new concepts and a professional management style, and is very effective at adapting these to the China market," he says.

Cappo says it is a matter of making sure the venues are economically sustainable, describing how AEG designs them to be multi-purpose, with better roof rigging, acoustics, sight lines, international-level amenities and concessions.

AEG is also building "entertainment districts" with various local governments, including two big sports parks in Hangzhou and Fuzhou.

On a private level, Cappo has been Lang Lang's manager for the past 12 years. Having turned him into the world's most successful classical musician in terms of endorsements, Cappo sees him as the Tiger Woods of the piano.

As the clock runs down, Cappo is still radiating energy. "Now I'm on a fast. This juice diet thing," he says. "I want to get in shape for next year, because I'm going to double our business."

Then, as if embarrassed by his audaciousness, he bursts into laughter. A few seconds pass and his face tightens. As he turns his head, the window panes stand reflected in his lenses. They look a bit like dominoes waiting to fall.