We chat with the world-renowned pianist ahead of his show in Abu Dhabi later this month.
To watch Lang Lang perform live is to take a stroll down memory lane, reconnecting with your childhood by listening to Disney’s most beloved songs. Now, as the legendary pianist returns to Abu Dhabi to perform at Etihad Arena on 22 November, audiences of all ages can look forward to immersing into the enchanting world of Walt Disney — his show will include a full orchestra and special guests, promising an extraordinary musical and visual experience in the process. Lang Lang regularly performs as many as 150 concerts and recitals each year, encountering sell-out crowds in every major city worldwide. We grabbed a few minutes with him before he took the stage in Zurich to discuss all things Disney. Listen in.
What drew you to the idea of blending classical music with Disney soundtracks? Was it a personal passion project, or did someone present the concept to you?
It’s a personal project because I’ve always been a big fan of animation. I’ve watched all the Disney films since I was a little kid — Snow White, Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck. I loved watching Tom and Jerry playing Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody, too, so in a way, I got so much inspiration from those animated films. This is how I learned how to digest music with characters, you know? There’s nothing better than watching great animated films to connect the character and music.
Did you have fun reorchestrating the Disney soundtracks into more classical pieces?
Yes! We wanted to show how the piano is capable of all the beautiful tunes, but also adding very virtuosic techniques. You cannot just play those big tunes without real, exciting elements of fast and challenging techniques. This is why I think it’s very interesting to hear “Let It Go” from Frozen or “Please Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Encanto in these very technical styles.
We know that one of your favourite Disney movies is The Lion King. Why does it particularly resonate with you?
It’s basically Hamlet, which was always my favourite play of Shakespeare. I think it’s about this deep love between families, and it’s also kind of tragic because of the darkness of the story. Sometimes, you need some darkness in the creativity of art. Otherwise, it is always very shiny, very positive. And that’s not always interesting.
What kind of emotion do you want people to take away from the concert in Abu Dhabi?
I want them to take a real journey. I want them to feel both their childhood and their adulthood, giving them a kind of life experience through Disney music. Disney is everything. Disney is presenting the world. They have all of the different fairy tales or stories from different parts of the world. It’s a global culture. And this is what I think is a great thing — no matter where you come from, it will ring a bell with you. This is why the Disney songs are so special.
What are you most looking forward to during your UAE performance?
I’ve played in the UAE many times, especially in Abu Dhabi. I mean, I love this place. I’m always playing, and I think it’s nice to bring something new, to broaden the audience a little bit. I hope people will come. I know some people don’t know what it is, but this performance is really for everybody. It’s beautiful Disney songs played with exciting piano techniques and a full orchestra. I also have many special guests like my wife, Gina, who is going to sing “When You Wish Upon A Star”.
You’ve released your version of the Disney songbook on CD and vinyl, and toured it live in concert around the world. Do you have any plans to expand the project?
I think the Disney project is approaching its end, but we would like to use this wonderful momentum to do more educational activities around the world. I know that in the UAE, particularly, you have a lot of interest in music education. I hope this concert will open some new doors through Disney music, be it reaching new audiences or new students, who don’t necessarily listen to classical music.
Finally, if you could live in any Disney movie for a day, which one would it be and why?
That’s a great question. I would say Mulan — it would be kind of interesting to go back and see old China.
DSCVR: Lang Lang chats to dscvr.ae. Etihad Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. @etihadarena.ae @langlangpiano @_macglobal.
