China Daily Global Edition (USA)
Creative space
Renowned pianist Lang Lang has opened a studio in Beijing
Renowned Chinese pianist Lang Lang visited the NCPA Taihu Stage Art Center in Beijing’s Tongzhou district in June. The stage art complex was launched in 2018 by the National Center for the Performing Arts, an iconic venue in downtown Beijing.
Covering an area of nearly 60,000 square meters, the art center has multiple indoor and outdoor theaters, rehearsal rooms and areas to keep technical equipment, costumes and sets.
During his visit to the venue, Lang also watched Chinese musicians perform in the outdoor theater at the Taihu Jazz Festival 2021.
When Lang entered an empty room, he was soon captivated by the view outside the window.
Wang Ning, president of the NCPA, who joined Lang on his trip to the art center that day, invited the pianist to use the room as his studio.
On Aug 20, Lang opened his studio at the art center. By then the once empty room had been transformed into a cozy work space: a meeting room, a small stage with a glossy, grand piano and a reading corner.
Lang’s photos, albums and trophies are displayed in the studio, including an award certificate from 1989, which shows the pianist, 7 years old then, winning a piano competition in his hometown in Liaoning province.
“I have some ideas for the studio, such as workshops for children, meeting with my fans and inviting more musicians to collaborate. This is a place full of inspiration,” Lang said at the opening while walking around excitedly.
He also performed extemporaneously with excerpts of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Goldberg Variations, Frederic Chopin’s Waltz in E Flat Major Op 18 No 1, and Yellow River Piano Concerto, based on the Yellow River Cantata by composer Xian Xinghai.
“Soon, Taihu town will be a new hub in the capital. We look forward to having more people come here to watch performances and get firsthand experience about theatrical productions,” Wang said at the opening of Lang’s studio.
He says Universal Beijing Resort, where Universal Studios Beijing is located, will start trial operations on Sept 1 and it is some 10 minutes by car from the art center.
Wang says the friendship between Lang and the NCPA started in 2007. A video was screened at the studio opening to trace back that journey.
The video showed some key events: On Dec 31, 2007, Lang performed at the NCPA’s inaugural New Year concert under the baton of Japanese conductor Seiji Ozawa; in December 2012, he performed with the China NCPA Orchestra for the first time, marking the NCPA’s fifth anniversary; Lang gave his first master class at the NCPA in January 2008, which was followed by two more, in 2009 and 2012; and in 2018, he performed with Berliner Philharmoniker under the baton of Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel at the NCPA.
“He is the first artist to launch a studio at the art center and we expect more to join us,” Wang says.
Lang says: “I visit the NCPA every year to perform in concerts and give workshops. I have many unforgettable moments there. Over the past 10 years, it has contributed immensely to promoting classical music in China.
“Once the coronavirus pandemic is stabilized, musicians from all over the world will come to China to perform and have cultural exchange programs with much more enthusiasm than ever before. They will come here as part of their trip to Beijing for sure.”
Lang is now working with the China NCPA Orchestra on an original music piece, which will be premiered at the art center.
I have some ideas for the studio, such as workshops for children, meeting with my fans and inviting more musicians to collaborate. This is a place full of inspiration.”
Lang Lang, pianist