Lang Lang honored with German award

Chinese pianist Lang Lang greets fans after performing with Lebanon's Philharmonic Orchestra during the opening of the Byblos International Festival in the ancient city of Byblos, north of Beirut, July 3, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

Pianist Lang Lang grabbed the prestigious German Bambi award on Thursday in Berlin, becoming the first Chinese to receive the honor.

Lang received the award for his outstanding achievements in classical music, according to the organizer.

The Bambi is Germany's most important media prize awarded by journalists and recognizes the outstanding figures who inspire, touch and move the German and global audiences.

"I'm very happy and honored to receive this award for the first time, very special," 32-year-old Lang told China Daily, adding that he wants to promote universal music education globally through the influential award.

"My concept is learning music happily, combining foreign and Chinese advantages to systematize music teaching," Lang added.

This award comes at a time when Lang is committed to his work on music education projects and charitable activities.

In September, he launched the Lang Lang Piano Academy project and its first series of books on mastering the piano. The books encompass a range of resources - printed and digital - for pianists of all levels, from beginners to advanced players, through which Lang shares the secrets of his piano technique.

"The books are systematic products as I use traditional Chinese tunes as well as Westernmusic," Lang said.

Lang has remained passionate about the importance of inspiring new generations of young pianists. To help provide good musical education to talented young Chinese musicians, Lang opened his own school in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, in 2011. It has 300 students aged 3 to 13.

As a highlight of the Bambi award ceremony, Lang performed a piano solo and worked with star tenor Jonas Kaufmann, who also received a Bambi award at the Theatre at the PotsdamerPlatz in Berlin.

Crown Princess Mary of Denmark also received a Bambi award this year "honoring her engagement against domestic violence". Germany's famous singer and entertainer Helene Fischer was honored with a Bambi for the second time.

Previous Bambi awardees have been former US president Bill Clinton, former South Africa president Nelson Mandela, Microsoft founder Bill Gates, Hollywood actor Keanu Reeves and former Bayern Munich coach Josef Heynckes. Last year, Lang also was the first Chinese to be named International Artist of the Year at the Classic Brit Awards in Britain.

zhangchunyan@chinadaily.com.cn