Lang Lang began playing piano at the age of 3, won the Bornis Shenyang competition and gave his first public recital at the age of 5.

When he was 9 he entered Beijing’s Central Music Conservatory. He went on to win first prize at the Tchaikovsky International Young Musicians Competition and played the complete 24 Etudes of Chopin at the Beijing Concert Hall at 13.

At 17, Lang Lang’s break into stardom came when he was called upon for a dramatic last-minute substitution at the "Gala of the Century" where he played the Tchaikovsky Concerto with the Chicago Symphony.

He has appeared twice on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and on Good Morning America, and 60 Minutes and was  featured in every major TV network in the world and in major news and lifestyle magazines, including Vogue, GQ, Die Welt, Reader’s Digest and People.

Hailed by the Chicago Tribune as the "biggest, most exciting keyboard talent encountered in many years," Lang Lang has progressed from one triumphant appearance to the next. Most recently the New York Times considered that the "hottest artist on the classical music planet may well be the Chinese pianist Lang Lang, 24, the darling of fans worldwide".

Last year, Lang Lang played 10 piano concertos to mark the 10th anniversary of the Beijing International Festival and the 20th anniversary of his stage appearance.

As a result of Lang Lang’s enormous popularity with children, Steinway created the "Lang Lang Steinway" designed in 5 different types for the early musical education of children. This is the first time Steinway has used an artist’s name to produce pianos in its 150 year history.

Lang Lang has performed for global leaders around the world including the former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan, President George H. W. Bush, President George W. Bush, President Hu Jin-Tao of China, President Horst Koehler of Germany, President Abdul Kalam of India, President Vladimir Putin of Russia, as well as H.R.H. Prince Charles.

Today, the 25-year-old Lang Lang has played in sold out concerts in every major city in the world. Lang Lang is the first Chinese pianist to be engaged by the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic and all the top American orchestras. He has also worked with the world’s best orchestras under the most renowned conductors.

This year, Lang Lang earned a Golden Globe Award as featured soloist for the score, "The Painted Veil" composed by Alexandre Deslpatt. He can also be heard on the soundtrack of "The Banquet" composed by Tan Dun.

On March 28 at 8pm, The Vancouver Symphony, at Orpheum Theatre,   presents the Beethoven Festival, a unique and exiting six-concert festival featuring all nine symphonies performed in chronological order (a Vancouver first). Pianist Lang Lang opens the series, making his much anticipated return performing Egmont: Overture, Symphony No. 1 and Piano Concerto No. 1 to be conducted by Maestro Bramwell Tovey. Tickets 604-280-3311 Ticketmaster Vancouver Symphony. For more information visit: www.LangLang.com .