Scaling new heights: piano superstar Lang Lang on returning to Hong Kong and the next chapter of his career

“It’s a partnership I’ve been looking forward to with great anticipation. Many young musicians inspire me today—I’m excited by artists who combine strong technique with a fresh musical personality. With Tarmo, I’ve heard so many wonderful things about him. His musicianship, his energy and his natural connection to music are truly inspiring. I’m very curious and genuinely excited to collaborate with him,” the older musician says, adding that he looks forward to hearing Peltokoski’s ideas about interpreting a programme that reflects his heritage.

Peltokoski, meanwhile, says: “Lang Lang is such a master … I am really looking forward to this cooperation and making music together.”

The HKPhil concert marks a significant cross- generational partnership, says Bernhard Fleischer, HKPhil’s chief executive. “Lang Lang’s unique quality is his determination to perform the music he takes on [at] the highest level and with a very personal interpretation. Here, it’s special: two masters who have never performed together will unite. This provides a wonderful opportunity for a stellar evening.”

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The partnership found strong support with Standard Chartered Global Private Bank. “Curating exceptional lifestyle experiences like this brings genuine fulfilment to our clients,” explains Peter Tung, regional head of private banking for Greater China and North Asia, Standard Chartered. “Our commitment extends beyond wealth management and banking; by fostering such connections, we reflect our belief in the transformative power of collaboration and shared success with our partners, clients and the community.”

While Lang says performing will always remain what he calls “the heart of my life”, he is also focused on nurturing the next generation of musicians by sharing his own experience and approach. He was born in Shenyang to musician parents, who married at the end of the Cultural Revolution, when people began to be allowed access to western culture once again; the piano was a fashionable instrument to learn. Lang was first fascinated by it at the age of two, after watching an episode of Tom and Jerry that featured Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No 2; he and took his first piano lesson a year later and won his first competition, in his hometown, aged five.

Seeing his potential, his erhu player father was determined to make his son China’s number one pianist; he was so committed to this goal that he gave up his job, left his wife behind in Shenyang and took his son to Beijing to increase the chances of him getting into the Central Conservatory of Music. After an initial rejection, he was admitted on a full scholarship at the age of ten.

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Lang would go on to win top prizes at both national and international competitions: Beijing’s Xinghai National Piano Competition at 11; the Tchaikovsky Competition at 13; and the International Competition for Young Pianists in Ettlingen, Germany, at 15. He moved to the US to study at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, then, after graduating, was invited to perform at a slew of high-profile occasions, including the opening of the Beijing Olympic Games in 2008; the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo in 2009, when former US President Barack Obama accepted the award; and a White House state dinner, also for Obama, in 2011. He has also performed at some of the world’s best cultural centres, including Sydney Opera House and New York’s Carnegie Hall. Back home in China, he is such a sensation that the term “Lang Lang phenomenon” was coined to describe the impact he has had inspiring millions of children to learn the piano.

His life story will be told in an upcoming documentary by American director Ron Howard based on Lang’s 2008 memoir, Journey of a Thousand Miles. At the time of writing in mid-November, the release date was yet to be announced.

Looking back, Lang says, “I was very fortunate to have great teachers, supportive parents and early opportunities, but I’ve learnt that early success is only the beginning. What truly matters is how you sustain it, how you keep growing and how you stay committed to evolving as a musician. Being a prodigy isn’t enough; the real challenge and the real joy lie in continuous development.”

He believes deeply in the power of music in developing a person’s character. “Music teaches patience, discipline, creativity, teamwork and emotional expression,” he says. “These are skills children can use throughout their lives … My [four-year-old] son is already exploring playing instruments. I see how naturally children respond to music. It reminds me why music education matters so much.”

Lang is taking a much softer approach with his child than his father did with him, as he thinks the best approach is to gauge young people’s natural interest in music. In October, he released Piano Book 2, the second album in his Piano Book project, featuring pieces that have shaped his love for music and his journey. The tracks include fan requests, classical standards, songs from soundtracks, and Icarus, the 2024 hit single by young Canadian composer and influencer Tony Ann. “I have noticed that young people today draw inspiration from many different places: from the internet, gaming music and young composers writing in fresh styles,” he says. “So in Piano Book 2, I want to bring these contemporary voices together with the classics. New pieces can open the ears of learners and show that piano music is alive and evolving. It’s a way to connect generations and help students feel that the piano belongs to their world, too.

“My idea has always been to create beautiful, high-level recordings of the pieces that so many piano students play. When you’re learning, it helps enormously to hear these works performed with real artistic care. It gives you orientation and inspiration. With Piano Book 2, I wanted to continue that mission, while expanding it for today’s young musicians.”

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While his tour runs until June 2026, the musician is also busy with his work at the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, an initiative he founded in 2008 to provide music education and opportunities to young people across the globe, with programmes in more than 50 cities worldwide. These include building school facilities for underserved communities, donating pianos to underprivileged children and funding music research projects and exchange tours, among other projects.

“The biggest change I want to see in the industry is access. Every child should have the chance to experience music, regardless of their background,” Lang says. “We also need to connect classical music to the digital world, so it feels natural and exciting.”

While once much of his life was dedicated to giving flawless performances, he is now redefining his legacy by inspiring others to simply pick up an instrument. “I’m excited about the musical challenges ahead. Education is an important extension of my work—and I enjoy inspiring young people along the way.”

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