Lang Lang, piano

Pianist Lang Lang inspires millions with his open-hearted, emotive playing, whether he is performing in intimate recitals or on the grandest of stages, for world leaders or for children in need. This electrifying musician broke into superstardom at age 17, when he was tapped as a last-minute substitute soloist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Today, his resume reads like a bestseller. He has been heralded as the "hottest artist on the classical music planet" by The New York Times, has played sold-out concerts in every major city in the world, and is the first Chinese pianist to be engaged by the Vienna Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic, and New York Philharmonic orchestras. He has been named a member of the "Time 100"—Time Magazine's annual list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World—and a United Nations Messenger of Peace. Now, in addition to his stellar performance career, he seeks to bring music into the lives of children around the world through the Lang Lang Foundation. Why? Because, in his own words, "Music makes life better. It heals, unites, and inspires, and it makes us better people. Music is powerful. I want every child to have access to music experiences that ignite something wonderful inside of them, just as music delivered something incredible for me."

Debussy: Ballade, L. 70
Liszt: Piano Sonata in B Minor, S. 178
Albéniz: Six selections from Suite Española, Op. 47
Granados: Two selections from Goyescas, Op. 11
De Falla: Danza ritual del fuego