"As our organization enters its 10th year, Lang Lang is the best candidate of the Artist-in-Residence program," said NCPA Vice President Li Zhixiang in a press conference.
In a news conference on Jan. 17, the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) announced that it has chosen international classical pianist Lang as its Artist-in-Residence for 2017-2018.
Li said that Lang suits the position not just because of his many achievements in the musical arena but also because of the strong partnership he has shared with the organization through the years.
On Dec. 31, 2007, during its inauguration year, NCPA was joined by the pianist in its first New Year's Concert under Maestro Seiji Ozawa.
He was also invited in April 2011 to be the Ambassador of NCPA Classical Music Channel. Then in Dec. 2012 he cooperated with the China NCPA Orchestra for the 5th anniversary of NCPA.
And though based in New York which he considers his second home, Lang would join NCPA almost every year in doing performances before Chinese audiences in Beijing.
As the Artist-in-Residence, he will be doing four concerts. According to the news release of NCPA, Lang's recital in April will include the music of Debussy, Liszt, Albeniz and Manuel de Falla.
In December, he will work with China NCPA Orchestra in the Grieg's Piano Concerto under Zubin Mehta.
Lang will also join the Orchestra's second North America tour and stage a show in Carnegie Hall in New York.
He will also perform in the popular oriental classics Yellow River Piano Concerto, which will be one of the highlights of his residence.
Lang will also conduct a master class as part of the residence program, China Daily reported. During the past years he had already done master classes. The first was in 2008, and then two more in 2009 and 2012. This class is part of NCPA's art education program.
"NCPA has been an important partner in promoting classical music in China and also a supporter of my career. I have deep respect for organization, as well as many unforgettable moments," said Lang.
The Artist-in-Residence program of NCPA was started in 2014 and was successively joined by Wang Jian, Yuja Wang, and Chen Qigang.