Chinese pianist Lang Lang will give a recital Dec. 24 at Shenzhen University to promote his new album “Lang Lang in Paris,” a collection of Chopin and Tchaikovsky’s classics.

    Lang has given recitals and concerts in many major cities and was the first Chinese pianist to be engaged by the Berlin Philharmonic, the Vienna Philharmonic and some top American orchestras.

    A Chicago Tribune music critic called him “the biggest, most exciting young keyboard talent I have encountered in many a year of attending piano recitals.” Lang has been praised by musicians and critics around the world. Conductor Jahja Ling remarked, “Lang Lang is special because of his total mastery of the piano. He has the flair and great communicative power.”

    National Public Radio’s Morning Edition remarked, “Lang Lang has conquered the classical world with dazzling technique and charisma.” It is often noted that Lang successfully straddles two worlds — classical prodigy and rock-like “superstar,” a phenomenon summed up by The Times journalist Emma Pomfret when she wrote, “I can think of no other classical artist who has achieved Lang Lang’s broad appeal without dumbing down.”

    In April 2009, when Time magazine included Lang in its list of the 100 most influential people, Herbie Hancock described his playing as “so sensitive and so deeply human. You hear him play, and he never ceases to touch your heart.”

    Time: 7:30 p.m., Dec. 24

    Tickets: 380-1,080 yuan

    Venue: Yuanping Gymnasium, Shenzhen University, Nanshan District (南山区深圳大学元平体育馆)

    Metro: Luobao Line, Shenzhen University Station (深大站), Exit A(SD News)