Bittersweet symphony

Chen says he was excited when he found out that Ozawa would play the Choral Fantasy with Lang Lang, because 11 years ago, when Chen served as the first artistic director of the National Symphony Orchestra of China, he invited Lang Lang to perform the piece at the orchestra's first concert.

A reporter fixes her microphone before the press conference of world famous soprano Kiri Te Kanawa.

"That year Lang Lang was a promising 14-year-old. Today he is a world-famous pianist. I hope this is a lucky sign for the new-born NCPA," Chen says.

Lang Lang also recalls that concert. "I remember it was only the third time I played with an orchestra, but conductor Chen believed in me and let me perform."

"Now, 11 years later, I have learned more and have a better understanding of the music and maybe the new NCPA will give me something new when I play it."

Lang Lang says that he and Ozawa were both born in the Chinese city of Shenyang and he thinks this link helped inspire an onstage chemistry.

Attracting hundreds of children and their parents, Lang Lang's master class turned out to be the best-received educational program that NCPA has organized.

"Education is important in promoting classic music," Lang Lang says.

"Many prestigious venues abroad such as the Carnegie Hall provide high-level educational programs every season. I have heard that NCPA plans to organize some 300 educational events every year. It's so good.

"I think the musicians should give classes in flexible ways, sharing their personal feelings for music and inspiring kids to enjoy music."