Lang Lang to present prizes at the Leeds International Piano Competition

Lang Lang, The Leeds International Piano Competition’s Global Ambassador and the internationally-renowned Chinese pianist, educator and philanthropist, is to attend the Finals of the Leeds International Piano Competition. He will present prizes to the winners and receive an honorary degree from the University of Leeds during the Final event this Saturday 15 September.

The University is Principal Partner of ‘The Leeds’ – one of the most important classical music competitions in the world – and has played a key role in the triennial event since the first competition 55 years ago. The 2018 competition got underway on 6th September.

Each year the University honours a number of distinguished individuals from varied walks of life who have contributed knowledge, understanding and expertise in the service of society. Lang Lang will be presented with the honorary degree of Doctor of Music.

Adam Gatehouse, Co-Artistic Director of the Leeds International Piano Competition, said:

'Lang Lang has achieved a global reputation in the worlds of both music and education. Invited to play for the Queen, Pope Francis and four US presidents, he has used his extraordinary talent and achievements to make a real difference to the world around him. Lang Lang shares our passion for nurturing extraordinary young talent and reaching out to a new generation of pianists and music lovers and we are privileged that he is our Global Ambassador and proud of our partnership with the Lang Lang International Music Foundation. We congratulate him on this latest accolade from the University of Leeds and look forward to welcoming to the Finals of The Leeds.'

University of Leeds Vice-Chancellor Sir Alan Langlands said:

'Lang Lang is one of the world’s finest musicians and has influenced and inspired people in every continent. As an ambassador for the arts through his Foundation, he has shown his passion for education, supporting talented young pianists in their professional development and leading the way in ensuring classical music remains relevant in the 21st century. His name is synonymous with excellence: in music and in education, he is a role model for young musicians the world over. It will be an honour to recognise these contributions to global culture and to celebrate the longstanding and rewarding relationships between the competition, Lang Lang, and the University.'

Welcoming the announcement, Lang Lang said:

'I’m extremely proud of my association with Leeds – with the city, with the piano competition and, thanks to this great honour, with the University too.'

Tickets for the Leeds International Piano Competition Finals are now sold out, but for tickets to other heats and events taking place during the competition – as well as further information – visit leedspiano.com. The ceremony – along with all remaining rounds of the competition – will be live streamed free via leedspiano2018.medici.tv .

Highlights from the semi-finals will be broadcast on BBC Radio 3 at 1pm on Tuesday 11 - Friday 14 September. The Finals, which take place on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 September will be broadcast live by BBC Radio 3 and on BBC FOUR television on Friday 21 September.