The famous piano player, who played at King Charles’s coronation concert earlier this year, urges the city’s young musicians to pursue international opportunities and emphasises the importance of mentorship in their journey
International piano star Lang Lang was in Hong Kong from December 15 to 17 to play Beethoven’s Third Concerto alongside the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (HKPhil). The 41-year-old Shenyang-born pianist, who’s known for being one of the first Chinese musicians to perform with the Berlin Philharmonic and the Vienna Philharmonic, was back in the city after four years. Like during his previous visits, he also hosted a masterclass at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts organised by First Initiative Foundation (FIF), a local charity that benefits the city’s arts education.
He tells Tatler why Hong Kong has an edge in the global music scene and how Asian musicians are faring on the global stage.
How does it feel to visit Hong Kong after the pandemic? What do you think of its music scene?
I’m always very excited to perform here. I had a wonderful time with the HKPhil yesterday. They showed me a picture of me taken during my first performance with them in 1999, when I was 16 years old and was just starting my career. I felt very emotional—time flies so fast.
Hong Kong has been a very important city [because] many artists [of global stature] have started their careers here, and it’s very important to keep that tradition going. Today, there’s a wonderful new generation of local musical talents who are shining on the world stage. The great thing here is that there are many supporters of classical music, which is very important for the future [of the music industry].
What motivated you to teach the masterclass at FIF?
Michelle [Ong, FIF founder,] has been a wonderful friend since we did a fundraiser for the Caritas Hospital in 2004. When she talked to me about her initiative and about being a partner in Hong Kong, I’d felt like doing something for this beautiful city.