Lang Lang, piano

Lang Lang is a globally celebrated concert pianist known for his technical brilliance, expressive performances, and role in bringing classical music to wider audiences. Born in Shenyang, China, in 1982, he showed extraordinary musical talent at a young age and began studying piano when he was just three years old. At age nine, he was accepted into the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, where he continued to develop his skills as a young prodigy. As a teenager, he moved to the United States to study at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. His international breakthrough came in 1999 when, at just 17, he stepped in on short notice to perform with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at the Ravinia Festival. Performing a piano concerto by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, he impressed audiences and critics with his confidence and virtuosity. The dramatic performance instantly launched him onto the world stage. After this success, orchestras and concert halls around the world began inviting him to perform.
Throughout his career, Lang Lang has appeared at many of the world’s most prestigious venues and has performed at major global events including the opening ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, where millions watched his performance. Lang Lang has recorded numerous successful albums with the classical label Deutsche Grammophon, showcasing works by composers like Frédéric Chopin and Ludwig van Beethoven. His recordings and concerts have helped bring classical piano music to a broader international audience. In 2008 he founded the Lang Lang International Music Foundation to support music education and inspire young musicians. Through this organization, he has created programs, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities for talented students. He is also known for collaborating with musicians from different musical genres and cultures. Today he remains one of the most recognizable and influential classical pianists in the world, inspiring millions of young people to study music.
The Series is thrilled to bring Lang Lang back for his third appearance. He made his Series debut in 2004 at age 22, when he was still relatively new in his career, and his second appearance in 2009. Neary 18 years later, we’re excited for his recital to reach new audiences in Kansas City.