Lang Lang plays at the recital in Auckland on June 12. [Photo provided to Chinaculture.org]

World-class Chinese pianist Lang Lang gave a piano recital at the old and ornate Civic Theatre in Auckland, on June 12. With a packed theatre and smitten audience, it turned out to be a big hit, culminating in a piece by Lang Lang and his eight young students.

Not only did Lang Lang get a standing ovation, later he was also greeted with a cocktail party where the recital was held. Many distinguished guests showed up, including Chinese Consul-General in Auckland Xu Erwen, U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand Mr. Gilbert and his wife, Chinese-New Zealander MP Yang Jian and sponsors of the recital. In her brief but inspiring speech, Xu Erwen hailed Lang Lang as a music ambassador and encouraged more cultural exchanges between China and New Zealand.