The Hottest Star in Classical Music interacts with Toronto September 21 through 28
Fresh from his dramatic performance at the Beijing Olympic opening ceremonies, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and Roy Thomson Hall join together to bring acclaimed Chinese pianist Lang Lang to Toronto for a week-long residency program. Collaborating with the Royal Ontario Museum and the Li Delun Foundation, the TSO and Roy Thomson Hall invite Torontonians from diverse backgrounds to interact with Lang Lang as he participates in a wide variety of activities across the city.
The residency kicks off September 21 at the Royal Ontario Museum with a public chat and Q & A with Lang Lang, hosted by Toronto Symphony Orchestra Music Director Peter Oundjian. This event is free with ROM admission. Fans who cannot attend the session in person are invited to email asklanglang@tso.ca to submit questions in advance. A podcast of the event will be posted on tso.ca
“We are pleased to launch the residency by presenting a conversation between Lang Lang and the public,” says William Thorsell, ROM Director and CEO. “This conversation is a unique opportunity for Lang Lang fans and Museum visitors to learn more about the person behind the artist and what makes him such a passionate performer.”
Lang Lang then begins a series of performances with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra - conducted by long time collaborator, TSO Music Director Peter Oundjian - and Roy Thomson Hall. Works include the Canadian première of Tan Dun’s Piano Concerto, a solo recital and an orchestral performance of the Tchaikovsky and Chopin Concertos. “The TSO has a strong history with Lang Lang,” explains Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s Director of Artistic Administration Loie Fallis. “For Lang Lang’s sixth visit with the TSO, we are ecstatic to work with our partners and introduce more Torontonians to this unique artist.”
“We’re looking at this residency as a model,” says Jesse Kumagai, Director of Programming for Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall. “By combining forces as a residency, we can make diverse programs and exciting opportunities happen. This kind of residency creates more familiarity, and will provide a better insight into who Lang Lang is.”
The residency wraps up September 28 with a Masterclass hosted by the Li Delun Music Foundation. A passionate supporter of young artists, Lang Lang will offer guidance to aspiring Toronto area pianists at this special event. “Lang Lang is not only a great pianist, he is also a very fine teacher,” says Yan Li, Li Delun Music Foundation Director. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some young Toronto pianists.”
LANG LANG TORONTO RESIDENCY EVENTS
Meet Lang Lang: Public Chat and Q&A with TSO Music Director Peter Oundjian
Sunday September 21, 2pm at the Royal Ontario Museum 416.586.8000
Lang Lang Plays Tan Dun: with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Wednesday September 24, 8pm at Roy Thomson Hall 416.593.4828
Lang Lang Solo Recital – Tickets still available!
Friday September 26, 8pm at Roy Thomson Hall 416.872.4255
Lang Lang Plays Tchaikovsky & Chopin: with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra
Saturday September 27, 8pm at Roy Thomson Hall 416.593.4828
Masterclass
Sunday September 28, 2:30pm at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto 416.490.7962
About the TSO: Founded in 1922, Toronto Symphony Orchestra is one of Canada’s major cultural institutions and among the top orchestras in the world. Under the leadership of Music Director Peter Oundjian, the TSO is committed to innovative programming and showcases a roster of distinguished guest artists and conductors. In addition to performances, the TSO serves the community with one of the largest musical outreach programs in Canada, connecting students throughout Ontario with curriculum based programming. www.tso.ca
About Roy Thomson Hall: The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall is a not-for-profit organization operating two of Canada’s premier concert halls. Roy Thomson Hall, located in the downtown Toronto theatre district, is home to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. This hall showcases the greatest talent in the world in all music genres, from classical to jazz, to vocal series to children’s concerts. Massey Hall is one of the most prominent and oldest buildings in the city. Built in 1892 by industrial baron Hart Massey as a memorial to his son, Massey Hall still remains a vital Toronto entertainment scene, attracting the biggest celebrities in pop and rock culture.
About the ROM: Opened in 1914, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada’s largest museum of natural history and world cultures, with six million objects in its collections and galleries showcasing art, archaeology and natural science from around the world. The Michael Lee-Chin Crystal, the centrepiece of the Renaissance ROM expansion and renovation project, was designed by leading international architect Daniel Libeskind in a joint venture with Bregman + Hamann Architects of Toronto. This striking new building and its galleries were unveiled to the public in 2007-2008. Renaissance ROM continues until 2010 with several new and renovated galleries to be created at the Museum. The ROM is an agency of the Government of Ontario. Visit the ROM’s web site at www.rom.on.ca.
About Li Delun Foundation: The Li Delun Music Foundation, together with a committee of Chinese musicians and music lovers, which is a non-profit organization with the mandate of promoting classical music, supporting music talents and encouraging the integration of residents of ethnic Chinese background into Canadian society through such efforts. Above all, dedicated to the unfinished task left over by Maestro Li De-lun, the organization is destined to play an important role in Canada’s musical life and multiculturalism.
For media interviews, contact Toronto Symphony Orchestra Senior Manager of Public Relations Laura Quinn 416.593.7769 x 232 lquinn@tso.ca.