Thunderous applause filled Tivoli Concert Hall as Chinese piano star Lang Lang received the first-ever Daphne Music Award in Copenhagen on Thursday, XinhuaNet reports.
The new international award was created by Danish Research Foundation to honour artists who combine musical excellence with efforts to make classical music accessible to wider audiences.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Lang Lang said he was proud to receive the award in Denmark.
“It is very meaningful for me to come back to Denmark, meet local audiences and musicians, and exchange ideas through music,” he said.
During the gala concert, Lang Lang performed together with Tivoli Copenhagen Philharmonic. It was his first performance in Denmark in 11 years.
China’s ambassador to Denmark, Wang Xuefeng, called the event an important moment for cultural ties between the two countries.
“Through his poetic and infectious performances, he brings together Eastern melodies and Western musical traditions,” the ambassador said.
Lang Lang also highlighted how music can unite people across cultures.
“Music can help remove barriers of race, culture and even ideology,” he said.
