LANG LANG
SHOWTIME
The world’s most famous classical musician and Guest Editor in 2012 (W*163), Lang Lang presented ten of his favourite concert venues around the world, from Beijing’s Bird’s Nest to a barn in Schleswig-Holstein, and the White House, where he played for presidents Bush and Obama
Illustrator Eoin Ryan
National Stadium, Beijing
‘I played in the Bird’s Nest at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games; I felt like I was playing to the universe.’
Ravinia Pavilion, Chicago
‘The concert I played here at the Ravinia Festival with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, when I was 17, marked the turning point of my career.’
Carnegie Hall, New York
‘It means a lot to me: my first live album was recorded here, and my home in NYC is right next to Carnegie Hall now.’
National Grand Theatre, Beijing
‘It’s a landmark building on Tiananmen Square, a very exciting venue symbolising a new milestone in China’s cultural scene. I played its first-ever New Year gala and first recital here; it is one of the best concert halls in China.’
The White House, Washington
‘I played in the West Wing several times for President Bush, President Obama and the Chinese President Hu Jintao.’
Berliner Philharmoniker, Berlin
‘One of the most significant classical concert venues in Europe, where I play every year. It has the most dedicated audience, and the sound is phenomenal from every angle.’
Musikverein, Vienna
‘My first album with Sony was a live recording of a recital here.’
Temple of Heaven, Beijing
‘I did a bit of filming at the Whispering Gallery of the Temple of Heaven, and the acoustics are amazing. It is an open-air venue, and I felt like I was having a dialogue with nature when I played here.’
Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival, Germany
‘This barn at the Schleswig-Holstein festival was the venue for my first concert in a major festival in Germany. It was a benefit concert, so it holds a very special place in my heart.’
Municipal House, Prague
‘It’s a historic place and amazingly beautiful. I was stunned when I first played here last year. I remember the sound of Bach and Schubert are very intimate here. It’s like playing 200 years ago.’