May 11, 2006 -

Ottawa, Canada -- Already at the age of 23, pianist Lang Lang’s artistry and ability to connect with audiences on a personal level have established him as an international sensation and one of the most exciting and sought-after artists of our time. The electrifying young pianist returns to the National Arts Centre Orchestra led by Music Director Pinchas Zukerman in Mark Motors Audi Signature Series concerts on Wednesday, May 17 and Thursday, May 18 at 20:00 in Southam Hall. Lang Lang will perform Mozart’s elegant and witty Piano Concerto No. 17*.

Maestro Zukerman opens the programme with Tree Line by the late legendary Japanese composer Toru Takemitsu, a composer whom Zukerman knew personally and admires enormously. Takemitsu explained Tree Line as follows: “A stroll under the long line of acacia trees lining the hilly slopes always soothes my mind. This work was written as an hommage to these graceful and yet dauntless trees.” Sibelius’s bold and evocative Symphony No. 1 completes the programme evoking the magic spell of the North with its dark, craggy power and romantic melodies.

Pinchas Zukerman, who conducted Lang Lang’s NAC Orchestra debut in 2003 says of the pianist: “I think he was born with a keyboard. He doesn’t miss a note – I don’t know how he does it… He has an enormous capacity for singing at the piano. The audience loves him, but he is real. Phenomenal energy! Tremendous Energy!”

Lang Lang has played sold-out recitals in all the major halls of the world, and was the first Chinese pianist to be engaged by the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic and the top American orchestras. He has been seen by millions of television viewers throughout the world. This summer, he performed “The Concert for Europe” with the Vienna Philharmonic and Zubin Mehta at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, which was attended by 100,000 people and was broadcast internationally on television. His talent is matched by his ebullient personality, making him an ideal ambassador for classical music and a role model for young people. He was recently recognized for his efforts by the United Nations’ Children’s Fund (UNICEF) who appointed him their youngest international Goodwill Ambassador. Born in 1982 in Shenyang, he began piano lessons at the age of three with Professor Zhu Ya-Fen. At the age of five he won the Shenyang Piano Competition and played his first public recital. He entered Beijing’s Central Music Conservatory when he was nine, studying with Professor Zhao Ping-Guo. At the age of 11, he won the first prize and award for outstanding artistic performance at the Fourth International Young Pianists Competition in Germany.

*Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 17 replaces the previously announced Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2 at the request at the artist.”

Tickets for these Mark Motors Audi Signature Series concerts on May 17 and 18 are on sale now at $27.00, $47.50, $58.00 and $60.00, with box seats at $79.00 (GST and Facility Fee included) at the NAC Box Office (Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00), and through Ticketmaster (with surcharges) at 613-755-1111. Ticketmaster may also be accessed through the NAC’s web-site at www.nac-cna.ca.

Groups of 10 and more save 15% to 20% off the regular price of tickets to NAC Music, Theatre and Dance performances. To reserve your seats call 947-7000 ext. 384 or email grp@nac-cna.ca. Half-price tickets for students in all sections of the hall are on sale in person at the NAC Box Office upon presentation of a valid student ID card.

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For more information please contact:
Jane Morris, Communications Officer,
National Arts Centre Orchestra
(613) 947-7000, ext. 335
jmorris@nac-cna.ca