Pianist Lang Lang speaks during a press conference in New York, the United States, April 9, 2019. Lang Lang held a press conference here on Tuesday to promote his new album "Piano Book", which was released on March 29 this year. As the first new album in three years from the globally celebrated piano virtuoso, "Piano Book" aims to bring classical music to a global audience and spread the message that classical music is universal, according to a press release. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)
Pianist Lang Lang has been appointed publicity ambassador of the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.
HANGZHOU, China, June 25 (Xinhua) -- Musician Lang Lang has been appointed publicity ambassador of the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, organizers revealed on Thursday.
The 38-year-old musician has had a long association with Asian sport. He and Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi performed the piano piece "Time" at the opening ceremony of the Guangzhou Asian Games in 2010.
Four years later, he performed "Champion" with South Korean superstar Psy at the opening ceremony of the Incheon Asian Games.
Meanwhile, Lang was also chosen as a torchbearer for the Beijing, London, and Rio Olympic Games.
Pianist Lang Lang attends an educational session at National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing, capital of China, Aug. 14, 2017. As the season's Artist-in-Residence, Lang Lang shared his story and piano skills with children at an educational session in the NCPA on Monday. (Xinhua/Luo Xiaoguang) (zhs)
"I'm honored to be the publicity ambassador of the Hangzhou Asian Games. I like playing table tennis and jogging during my spare time. I also like watching football, basketball, swimming and tennis games. I am a loyal fan of the Chinese women's volleyball team," Lang said.
"I always prefer to read sports news over entertainment news. I respect athletes because they can bring us positive energy and a never-say-die spirit," he added.
"We have rich experience in hosting large-scale sporting events. I believe the Hangzhou Asian Games will be very successful." ■
