He may usually have an orchestra for company but Hong Kong's recently acquired and internationally renowned pianist, Lang Lang, will soon be joining the ranks of rock stars - at the Grammys. Lang, 25, was yesterday nominated for one of the United States' leading music industry awards. The nomination, in the category of best instrumental solo performance, is for his recording of Beethoven's Piano Concertos No1 and 4. Lang is believed to be the first Hongkonger nominated for a Grammy. He is one of five in the category. Along with fellow celebrity pianist Li Yundi and actress Zhang Ziyi, Lang was given Hong Kong permanent residence after his application to the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, launched in June last year. Lang's expressive style of piano playing has won him legions of fans - and detractors, who have dubbed him 'Bang Bang'. Reviews for the Beethoven recording have generally been good, however. Britain's The Times praised Lang's 'awesomely clear arpeggios, subtle variety in tone and attractive playing'. It concluded: 'Lang is an artist ... with great gifts.' Lang's father, Lang Guoren, told mainland web portal sina.com that 'it's hard for performers of classical music to be nominated' but his son believed he could win the Grammy. It is understood that Lang and another pianist have been invited to perform at the awards ceremony.
