Lang Lang visits Leeds International Piano Competition

10 September 2012, 14:34

Lang Lang took time out of his busy schedule yesterday to visit the University of Leeds and listen to semi-final performances at the 17th annual competition.

Lang Lang, the newly appointed Global Ambassador for the Leeds International Piano Competition, met Dame Fanny Waterman, the founder, Chairman and Artistic Director of the Leeds International Pianoforte Competition at the University of Leeds yesterday. He visited the competition to watch the start of this year's semi-finals.

The competition, in its 17th year, attracted more than 270 entries this year. 59 pianists from more than 20 countries were selected to compete in front of the jury.

Lang Lang was appointed Global Ambassador for the competition on 24 August this year in recognition of his contribution to classical music and the piano. After his appointment, he said: "I don’t think there has been a concert hall around the globe that has not felt the impact of the Leeds International Piano Competition in the great names it has helped on their way. I am truly honoured to be associated with this tradition."

The final will be held on Friday 14 September and Saturday 15 September.