Lang Lang will stage a piano concerto at the National Center for the Performing Arts in April. [Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily]

Li also says the pianist has worked with the NCPA ever since the venue was opened in 2007.

On Dec 31, 2007, Lang performed at the NCPA's inaugural New Year Concert under Japanese conductor Seiji Ozawa.

In December 2012, he performed with the NCPA symphony orchestra for the first time, marking the NCPA's fifth anniversary.

Lang gave his first masterclass at the NCPA in January 2008, which was followed by two more, in 2009 and 2012.

Speaking at a news conference announcing his appointment as artist-in-residence recently, Lang said: "I can still recall the night in January 2006 after my first New Year piano recital at the Great Hall of the People. At the time, the NCPA was still under construction but the main structure had been completed. I saw it after I walked out of the side door of the Great Hall and I wanted to perform there."

"I have many unforgettable moments of the NCPA because almost every year I perform there. It's a great venue. Over the past 10 years, it has contributed immensely to promoting classical music in China."

Speaking about his piano recital in April, Lang says he wants to give the audience something different.