Lang Lang on Performing at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and Promoting Chinese Music

Performing the Olympic Hymn

• 🤩 Lang Lang expresses excitement about performing at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony, calling it a genuine and heartfelt moment.
• 🤝 This was his second Olympic performance, having previously played in 2009, and he collaborated with singer Chicha Bari.
• 🎶 The performance of the Olympic hymn occurred just before the lighting of the flame, creating a special and unifying atmosphere.

Artistic Collaboration and Freedom

• 💡 Lang Lang worked closely with music director Andrea Ferah, who gave him significant freedom to arrange the music.
• 🎹 He chose a higher key for the piece, aiming for a more transparent sound, and added chords, harmonies, and technical scales to enhance its pianistic brilliance.
• 💬 The close proximity of the piano to the singer allowed for strong visual connection and mutual encouragement during the performance, making it feel intimate despite the large venue.

Evolution as an Artist

• 🌟 Over nearly 20 years since his 2008 Beijing performance, Lang Lang feels a greater responsibility to connect with music education globally.
• 🌍 He aims to bring more Chinese music to the world stage, seeing Chinese New Year as a symbol of East-West friendship through traditional music.
• 🚀 He believes this is a vibrant time for Chinese culture to shine and be shared internationally.

The Synergy of Music and Sports

• 🤝 Lang Lang draws parallels between the Olympic spirit and the world of classical music, highlighting discipline, drive, and synergy.
• 🌎 He emphasizes that both sports and music are powerful forces that can bring people together, advocating for a united world.