Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Internationallyrenowned pianist Lang Lang performed at the Hanoi Opera House on August 31 nightin a show organised as part of the Hublot Loves Art programme produced by theSwiss luxury watch brand.

This was his second performance in Hanoi.The first was 15 years ago when he performed with his father.

This time, Lang Lang and his 12-year-oldstudent performed songs like Military March by Franz Schubert, Waltz No 1 byFrederic Chopin, Coloured Clouds Chasing the Moon by Ren Guang and The Lark byMily Balakirev.

Lang Lang learned that his autobiographyLang Lang, Journey of a Thousand Miles was translated into Vietnamese justahead of the occasion.

“I’m touched that many Vietnamese peoplenow will know more about me when my story is told in the Vietnamese language,”he said.

“I’m happy to see that many Vietnameseyoung people have a passion for art. I suggest that if they should believe intheir choice, nurture their dreams and try hard, they will achieve what theywant.”

“The success may not come tomorrow, but youwill have it.”

Lang Lang realised that Hanoi has changedmuch after 15 years. He also acknowledged that many things have changed in hismind.

“Apart from being older, Lang Lang of todayis also different from Lang Lang of 15 years ago,” he said.

“Before, I just wanted to prove myself andmy technique, I want to be faster and challenge myself with difficult songs,”he said.

“Now, I earn more knowledge and experience.I know that music should be more emotional. So I try to bring emotion to theaudience, instead of showing off my technique.”

He also told Viet Nam News that he wants toenjoy two famous foods of Vietnam, pho (noodle soup) and banh mi (Vietnamesebaguette).

“The last time I was here I had the chanceto enjoy water puppetry in Hanoi. After the concert, I want to discover moreabout the city’s landscape and culture.”

Voted by Time magazine as one of the 100most influential people in the world, besides being a virtuoso artist, LangLang has also worked as a piano instructor and social activist. He’s been oneof the pioneer artists breathing the rhythm of the 21st century into classicalmusic.

During his career, Lang Lang has performedfor Pope Francis, Queen Elizabeth II and Barack Obama when he served as USPresident. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, the Royal Albert Hall and SydneyOpera House. He had shared the stage with other music legends such asMetallica, Herbie Hancock and Pharrell Williams.-VNS/VNA