Piano star Lang Lang has declared London the “best environment for musicians” and backed calls for a new concert hall in the capital.
The Chinese virtuoso, who last night performed at the Royal Albert Hall, said it was a dream to have conductor Sir Simon Rattle calling for a new world-class concert hall before he takes up the role of London Symphony Orchestra music director in 2017.
Lang Lang, 32, told the Standard: “London as a city has the best musical instruction, the best environment for musicians. There aren’t many places in the world still doing well for music with cutting budgets.”
When asked about calls for a new concert hall, he said: “I think it’s great. For me it’s always a great honour to work with maestro Simon Rattle, he’s my favourite musician. To have him leading the concert hall project is a dream for us and I fully support this project.”
He said performing at the Royal Albert Hall was “incredible” but also a challenge — because the pianist faces the audience. The pianist has picked out a 10-year-old Londoner as a promising talent for the future. Alasdair Howell, who lives in West Norwood and is a pupil at Dulwich College Junior School, performed for Lang Lang earlier this week after being selected by the pianist for CNN programme Ones To Watch.
After Lang Lang performed April from Tchaikovsky’s The Seasons, the pair played Schubert’s Military March together and the 10-year-old gave a solo performance of Chopin’s Fantaisie Impromptu.
Lang Lang said Alasdair was a “quick learner” and has a “very sweet personality”, adding: “He impressed a lot and I wish him a very healthy career. The next few years will be very important for him to develop. From 10 to 20 are the crucial years for developing as a musician.”
Alasdair, who also plays the violin and sings, said of Lang Lang: “I like his way of interpreting things in a different way to some other pianists.” @mirandeee
CNN Ones To Watch is on CNN International, Saturday May 16 at 8.30pm
