BEIJING, Aug. 10 -- Resplendent in a Chinese silver
robe, a jubilant Lang Lang and 5-year-old Li Muzi provided the musical
transition of the opening ceremony performances from a celebration of ancient
China to the modern era last night.
Playing a piece composed by Chinese musician Ye
Xiaogang, the duet was accompanied by the China Philharmonic Orchestra under the
baton of Yu Long.
 |
|
Renowned Chinese pianist Lang Lang and
5-year-old Li Muzi mesmerize the crowd at the opening ceremony of the
Beijing Games last evening. Yang Shizhong. (Photo Source: China
Daily)
Photo
Gallery>>> |
Art performance of
Beijing Olympics opening ceremony
On Wednesday morning, the 26-year-old world-renowned
Chinese pianist participated in the torch relay. As he was running along
Chang'an Avenue, he delighted cheering onlookers by holding the torch in one
hand and mimicking playing the piano with the other.
"I am so honored and excited to join the torch relay
in Beijing and have been practicing by holding something similar to the torch in
size," Lang Lang told China Daily.
On August 19, Lang will participate in another event
in celebration of the Beijing Olympics at the National Center for the Performing
Arts.
Billed as "A Night For Piano in China" he will
perform with nine other pianists: Claude Frank and Vladimir Feltsman from the
United States, Philippe Entremont and Cyprien Katsaris from France, Louis Lortie
from Canada, Guillermo Gonzalez from Spain, and Chen Sa, Liu Shikun and Qin
Yunyi from China. They will play Jubilant China composed by Chinese Cui Shiguang
to mark the Beijing Olympic Games.
"It will be great fun to share the stage with 10
pianos," Lang said.
"I did it once a few years ago in Switzerland. There
were 10 of us and we made thunderous music. I hope this time we can rehearse
together before the concert."
Despite his busy worldwide performing schedule, Lang
Lang is taking some time off to stay in Beijing to enjoy the Olympic games. He's
looking forward to watching ping pong, gymnastics, diving, basketball and the
110m hurdles featuring Liu Xiang.
The pianist has also been invited to introduce
Chinese culture and the Beijing Games on ZDF German Television, one of Europe's
largest broadcasters.
"I will work as a guest host to do some programs
specializing in the Games," he said.
"As a Chinese, I feel it is my duty and an honor to
promote Chinese culture around the world."
Being China's cultural ambassador is a task Lang has
been fulfilling in the past two years by way of a documentary about him
commissioned by the Beijing Olympic Committee.
The Song of Lang Lang recounts the story of his
growth as a pianist and features his performances at dozens of Chinese
historical sites, including the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the Temple of
Heaven, as well as by the Yellow River. The film, released in June, has been
used by the Beijing Games for promotional purposes.
Lang's latest album The Best & Rarities was
released last week in China. It is a collection of 19 pieces selected from six
albums he recorded with Deutsche Grammophon.
The two CDs includes Tan Dun's Eight Memories in
Watercolor, the Chinese folk pieces Autumn Moon on a Calm Lake and Spring Dance,
a duet, Beethoven's Sonata in D major for Piano Four Hands, and two pieces from
the soundtrack of the film "The Painted Veil" which won the Golden Globe Award
in 2007 for Best Original Score.
"I consider the album a review of my career in the
last 10 years. I selected a variety of music ranging from the classics, such as
Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, to Chinese folk to a movie soundtrack," he said.
"I am so lucky that my parents, mentors, friends and
millions of fans have supported and helped me in the last 10 years.
"Now I understand that winning awards or becoming
famous is not that important. What matters is that I really enjoy playing music
and have really learned much from music, which will be of great benefit to me
throughout my life."
As to his future plans, Lang plans to set up a
foundation to support young musicians, he said.
(Source: China Daily)
