Lang Lang Inspires Through Music and Education
Yesterday, acclaimed Chinese classical pianist Lang Lang visited a special education school in west London, where he met William Blyth, a 15-year-old pupil with autism and a Young Ambassador of the Lang Lang International Music Foundation. This organisation aims to inspire future generations of piano players, especially among the underprivileged, reports BritPanorama.
During the visit, Lang Lang highlighted the transformative power of music in Blyth’s life. “William’s become a very friendly, very optimistic person through music,” he stated. The foundation’s flagship programme, “The Keys of Inspiration,” seeks to make learning the piano accessible and educational in schools across the UK, US, and China. Lang Lang emphasized, “We want to make their life easier than mine was.”
With an illustrious career, Lang Lang performed for an estimated audience of four billion during the 2008 Beijing Olympics and has sold nearly 20 million albums globally. His participation as a mentor in the reality competition The Piano has further established his presence in the UK, and he is set to appear on Strictly Come Dancing shortly. His recently released album Piano Book 2 is already generating significant interest, adding to the billion-plus streams of its predecessor, Piano Book.
Lang Lang’s journey began at a young age, showcasing remarkable talent by performing publicly at just five years old. His father, a former policeman, pushed him relentlessly to become the world’s top classical pianist, often placing immense pressure on him to succeed.
Reflecting on his early experiences, Lang Lang recalled, “I was a little bit overwhelmed… before every major competition, I can’t sleep.” This pressure intensified when he failed to gain admission to the prestigious Central Conservatory of Music at age nine, leading to a traumatic response from his father that included threats of suicide. “For the parents at that time, they think it’s more than that,” he remarked, addressing the cultural pressures within Chinese society.
Despite the hardships, Lang Lang ultimately succeeded in enrolling at the conservatory and later relocated to Philadelphia at 15 to further his studies. His iconic performance at the Beijing Olympics was layered with complex emotions, as he grappled with his challenging past while celebrating his success. “It was bigger than a dream,” he reflected.
Presently, Lang Lang channels his success into promoting music education, influenced by his experiences in Africa as a UNICEF ambassador. He believes that music can unite diverse cultures, even as he faced skepticism in the past from traditionalists in classical music circles. “In the beginning, it was hard for people to understand…,” he noted, citing cultural misunderstandings.
As a progressive figure in classical music, Lang Lang collaborates with a wide range of artists and incorporates contemporary works into his repertoire, aiming to engage younger audiences. He advocates for a balance between respecting classical traditions and evolving the art form to remain relevant, stating, “If you are a 15-year-old, you need your generation behind you.”
His celebrity status raises eyebrows among traditionalists, yet Lang Lang remains focused on his craft. “In the classical music world, it’s very simple. You have to play well,” he affirmed, acknowledging both the advantages and scrutiny that fame brings. “I never believe I’m overplaying… my style has changed a bit over the years.”
Lang Lang’s new album ‘Piano Book 2’ is out now on Deutsche Grammophon.
