International piano sensation Lang Lang joins Yuriy Bekker and the Charleston Symphony for Beethoven’s majestic Emperor Concerto in THE must-see special event of the year.
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For one night only, the Charleston Symphony welcomes international superstar Lang Lang for a can’t-miss all-Beethoven program.
Heralded by The New York Times as “the hottest artist on the classical music planet,” Lang Lang has captivated audiences across the globe – from the world’s most iconic stages to the Olympic Games. Lang Lang will bring his unparalleled charisma and virtuosity to Beethoven’s magnificent “Emperor” Concerto.
A defining voice in classical music today, Lang Lang is not only a celebrated pianist, but also a global ambassador for the arts, dedicated to education and inspiring audiences worldwide. His performances consistently sell out across continents – making this Charleston appearance a rare, must-see opportunity.
Also on the program is Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7, an audience favorite since its 1813 premiere. Its famous second movement has been made memorable for modern fans in scenes from more than 20 films and is often performed as a standalone piece.
Lang Lang is a leading figure in classical music today – as a pianist, educator, and philanthropist, he has become one of the world’s most influential and committed ambassadors for the arts in the 21st century.
Lang Lang started playing the piano at age 3 and gave his first public recital before the age of 5. At 9 years old, he entered Beijing’s Central Music Conservatory and won First Prize at the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians at 13. He subsequently went to Philadelphia to study with legendary pianist Gary Graffman at the Curtis Institute of Music.
In 2008, he founded the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, aimed at cultivating tomorrow’s top pianists, championing music education at the forefront of technology, and building a young audience through live music experiences. In 2013, Lang Lang was designated by the Secretary-General of the United Nations as a Messenger of Peace, focusing on global education.
In addition to performing with the world’s most celebrated orchestras, Lang Lang is known for thinking outside the box and frequently steps into different musical worlds. Millions of viewers watched his performances at the GRAMMY Awards with Metallica, Pharrell Williams, and jazz legend Herbie Hancock. He has worked with global pop icons such as Ed Sheeran, John Legend, Rose from BLACKPINK, J Balvin, and Jay Chou. He also collaborated with Disney, blending his classical artistry with the magic of Disney, further expanding his reach.
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92
Intermission
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat Major, Op. 73 (Emperor)
Yuriy Bekker, Conductor
Lang Lang, Piano
