Lang Lang performs in pouring rain

2 July 2013, 10:35

The Chinese pianist is no stranger to outdoor performances, but when the weather takes a turn for the worse, the show must go on…

Despite torrential rain, crowds of people stayed to watch Lang Lang perform an outdoor concert in Hangzhou, China. The heavens opened halfway through his performance - but luckily a makeshift tarpaulin tent was constructed to cover the piano, and Lang Lang could continue.

"The crowd got soaked but they stayed and cheered me on through the concert and several encores," he said. "I actually loved playing in the rain and was inspired by the beauty of nature and the crowd's perseverance."

Lang Lang performed a selection of piano favourites including Liszt's La Campanella, Chopin's waltz in Eb major Op. 18 and, appropriately, Chopin's 'Ocean' Etude, Op. 25 No. 12.