Pianist Lang Lang an international, cross-generational sensation

The great Chinese pianist Lang Lang comes to Honolulu this weekend to perform with the Hawai‘i Symphony Orchestra, bringing his talent, prowess and passion for music in full bloom.

Lang Lang has been a worldwide phenomon for half his life, ever since he substituted for an ailing Andre Watts at age 17 in 1999 in a performance of Tchaikovsky’s first piano concerto. “The fabulous technique, the absolute control (even at hell-bent tempos), the flexible rhythm, the firmly centered, infinitely colored tone that can switch on a dime from tornadolike intensity to supple delicacy, the risk-taking temperament — all these things are already there in his pianism,” wrote the Chicago Tribune at the time.

The promise of that review was quickly fulfilled. Two years later, Lang Lang would perform in Carnegie Hall in New York and in Prince Albert Hall in London and touring with the Philadelphia Orchestra. He’s recorded more than 30 albums, appeared at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in 2009 (the year President Barack Obama was given the award) and performed at multiple Olympics events, beginning with the 2008 Games in Beijing. He even played Prokofiev for a video game.

The expressive musician has also become a classical crossover sensation, taking on projects like “New York Rhapsody,” a 2016 album that features collaborations with jazz musicians Herbie Hancock and Madeleine Peyroux, soul singer Andra Day, pop violinist Lindsey Stirling, actor Jeffrey Wright and others.

Born in Shenyang, China, Lang Lang began piano lessons at age 3 and won his first competition at age 5, but at age 9 his teacher dismissed him, declaring he lacked the talent. Another teacher encouraged him to play a Mozart sonata, reviving his spirits and encouraging him to continue.

He would eventually be accepted China’s Central Conservatory in Beijing, where he won several competitions. At age 15, in 1997, he moved to the U.S. to study music, coming under the tutelage of Gary Graffman, an accomplished mentor whom he credits with teaching him that “being the No. 1 pianist” was not a productive goal. “Coming from China, I had been extremely competitive and used to playing lots of piano competitions. With Gary Graffman, I changed my attitude and focused on becoming an artist,” he said.

Lang Lang has sometimes generated controversy with his flashy, overtly emotional performances. Still, at age 35, he is one of perhaps four or five classical musicians who can fill any concert hall in the world at mere mention of name (his concert here is sold out). He’s been busy traveling and concertizing in China and the United States, so he answered a few questions via email to preview his concert.

HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER: You recorded a two-piano version of “Rhapsody in Blue” with Herbie Hancock. Is there any particular insight you got from that experience? What is your background with this piece?

LANG LANG: Playing together with Herbie Hancock was an incredibly inspiring experience. He showed me how to play the piece more jazzy and how to be more free. He offered a new perspective on the “Rhapsody in Blue” that enriched me musically far beyond just this one piece. I have played the “Rhapsody” all over the world, and my personal interpretation has grown over many years and was shaped through the exchange with many brilliant artistic partners. … This vision is never static. It continues to develop and change over time.

Q: A “Tom and Jerry” cartoon inspired your interest in piano at age 2. Other than that, was there some point later in life, a particular performance perhaps, or an attachment to a particular piece, where you had a similar kind of epiphany?

A: My life has been full of revelatory moments and experiences. Recording Mozart with the legendary Nikolaus Harnoncourt and the Vienna Philharmonic (for “The Mozart Album” in 2014) was one; meeting musicians from outside the classical world like Metallica was another. Two completely different but wonderful collaborations. We musicians need nourishing experiences like this. They open up our minds and inspire our imagination.

Q: You have taken on many different kinds of music lately, from jazz to pop to Broadway, even rock with Metallica. How did you get into this, and how do you decide what to play? Do you take a different approach to playing this kind of music as opposed to the classical repertoire?

A: I love trying out different collaborations. They spark my curiosity and open up my mind. Performing at the Grammys with Pharell Williams and also with Metallica were unique moments I will never forget. I find it enriching to enter a completely different musical world from time to time.

Q: You, perhaps more than most great talents of the day, have been characterized as “flashy.” That is kind of a way to compare showmanship over substance. How do you respond to that? Is there a point where, perhaps, you feel it’s OK to go “off-script” with Chopin or Beethoven?

A: I don’t intend to go “off-script“ with Chopin or Beethoven. What I do intend, however, is to offer my personal interpretation of the work. I want to present my audience with my vision of a piece and believe this is what they expect of an artist. Otherwise they could simply listen to the same tape over and over again.

Q: You’ll be here for Chinese New Year and I know you’ve just been in China. What are your feelings when you go back or ponder your Chinese roots?

A: I love China and like to try to go back home as often as possible. I started traveling the world very early in my life. I moved to the United States when I was a teenager and still have a place in New York City. I love it here in the States. But I feel deeply rooted in Chinese culture and really miss its food and its people when I am not there.