Lang Lang
UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Alumnus
"I think the best way to reach children is through music. This really opens their ears and their minds."
Accomplished classical pianist Lang Lang has performed for world leaders and worked with the world’s best orchestras and conductors. He was appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 2004.
Lang, who began playing the piano at age three, has helped to bring attention to issues that affect child survival around the world. His remarkable musical ability and popularity among children and youth contributed to his success as a Goodwill Ambassador. Lang skillfully leveraged his talent to raise funds for humanitarian aid in emergencies; and participated in various UNICEF events; including fundraisers in China; Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Japan and the United States.
Born into a musical family in Shenyang, China, Lang gave his first public recital at age five. He entered Beijing’s Central Music Conservatory when he was only nine. By the age of 13, Lang had won first prize at the Tchaikovsky International Young Musicians Competition and played the complete 24 Etudes of Chopin at the Beijing Concert Hall.
In 1997, Lang moved to the United States to study at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia. He gave his breakthrough performance at age 17 at the “Gala of the Century,” where he played the Tchaikovsky Concerto with the Chicago Symphony.
In 2008, Lang launched the Lang Lang International Music Foundation to inspire young musicians through various outreach programmes and raise funds for emergency humanitarian assistance.