Lang Lang returns home

Pioneering Chinese pianist and cultural icon Lang Lang is returning to Universal Music Group in a major new long-term recording agreement which aims to bring a fresh approach to classical music and inspire a new generation of young music lovers. He will reunite with Deutsche Grammophon – the label which launched his recording career in 2003 when he was just 20 – for a series of new recordings which will include Bach’s Goldberg Variations.

Lang Lang’s first release under the new agreement will be ‘The Piano Book’ – an album of popular piano music, reflecting his commitment to music education and desire to encourage young people to learn the instrument, supported by the Lang Lang Piano Method which he pioneered.

In making the announcement, Chairman and CEO of UMG, said: “It is a tremendous honour to welcome Lang Lang home to UMG and Deutsche Grammophon. Lang Lang is that exceptionally rare talent who combines artistic excellence and innovative entrepreneurism to deliver exciting new music and experiences to his millions and millions of fans around the world. As someone whom I admire artistically and personally, I’m thrilled that UMG will contribute to the next chapter in Lang Lang’s already distinguished career.”

Lang Lang said: “When I met Lucian and his team I was amazed by their open-mindedness and passion for innovation. This is exactly the spirit we need to promote classical music in the 21st century. My dream has always been to share music with as many people as possible, and I can’t wait to start working with the Universal teams around the world.”

A globally celebrated piano virtuoso, Lang Lang has sold millions of albums around the world, topping classical charts and achieving simultaneous mainstream success. He was nominated in 2007 for a GRAMMY Award, becoming the first Chinese artist nominated for Best Instrumental Soloist. During the past decade Lang Lang has performed for classical music fans, world leaders, monarchs and dignitaries including President Barack Obama, Pope Francis and Queen Elizabeth II. He has reached televised audiences of billions performing at the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the final of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Rio de Janeiro.

The scale of his musical achievements are mirrored by an unrelenting commitment to charitable causes, most notably through his own Lang Lang International Music Foundation  dedicated to classical music education for children. He was designated in 2013 as a Messenger of Peace by the Secretary General of the United Nations, focusing on global education. He has served as a UNICEF Global Goodwill Ambassador since 2006.