Lang Lang Piano Summer Intensive: A Musical Milestone in Riyadh
The inaugural Lang Lang Piano Summer Intensive culminated in a memorable concert at the Saudi Music Hub in Riyadh on July 24, 2025. Renowned pianist Lang Lang delivered a captivating performance to an intimate audience of just 140 guests, celebrating the conclusion of a month-long collaboration with the Saudi Music Hub and the Lang Lang International Music Foundation. This initiative, orchestrated by the Music Commission, aims to nurture the next generation of pianists in Saudi Arabia.
A New Era for Music Education
Paul Pacifico, CEO of the Music Commission under the Ministry of Culture of Saudi Arabia, emphasized the significance of this initiative. He stated, “This initiative marks a bold new chapter in the evolution of music education in the Kingdom. By partnering with world-class international educators, we are not only nurturing the next generation of Saudi talent but also expanding the horizons of our cultural ambitions.” This partnership represents a commitment to elevating music education and fostering local talent.
Engaging Young Pianists
Running from June 29 to July 24, 2025, the program welcomed aspiring pianists aged seven and older, with a minimum proficiency of ABRSM Grade 3. Participants engaged in daily masterclasses, private lessons, and group workshops, all under Lang Lang’s artistic guidance. The curriculum included performance classes and musicianship training, yielding impressive results and showcasing the students’ dedication and talent.
Insights from Lang Lang
In a fireside chat following his performance, Lang Lang shared his observations about the students. He noted, “The students here are very musical. They like to express themselves and they’re very curious about what they’re learning. They really love music, you feel it.” While he acknowledged that their technical skills might need refinement, he expressed optimism about their potential, stating, “They’re very musical kids and I see a brilliant future.”
Lang Lang highlighted the unique musical landscape emerging in Saudi Arabia. He remarked, “During our sessions, we had a few kids from Saudi Arabia that not only play Western classical music but also compose their own music influenced by the mountain landscapes. There is a feeling of personal stories happening here, and I thought that was really inspiring.”
Celebrating Local Talent
Among the promising young musicians, Bader Ahmad Bashmail, a 26-year-old composer, caught Lang Lang’s attention. He described Bashmail’s work as reminiscent of Chopin, calling it “a kind of neo music coming from the Kingdom.” This recognition underscores the rich potential for new musical expressions rooted in Saudi culture.
The Future of Music in Saudi Arabia
Lang Lang shared his aspirations for the first graduates of the Lang Lang Piano Summer Intensive. He emphasized the importance of passion in music, stating, “Music for me is the sixth sense. You have to feel it and you should get very excited about it.” He encouraged students to embrace their musical journey, hoping they would find direction and improvement in their craft over the coming months.
In light of recent initiatives, including the training of 7,000 kindergarten teachers to teach music, Lang Lang expressed hope for a broader impact. “I hope we will see a wonderful result of the opening up of music studies in Saudi Arabia to help the kids understand other subjects in the curriculum,” he said. He believes that music serves as a bridge to understanding various disciplines, including history, mathematics, and literature.
A Global Vision for Music Education
Lang Lang’s vision extends beyond the borders of Saudi Arabia. He shared his belief that everyone should have access to music education, reflecting on how it transformed his own life. “Music completely changed my life – it would be so different if I weren’t playing music,” he noted. He emphasized the importance of building connections across cultures through music, stating, “When you start the learning process, you start a lifelong journey.”
Building Generational Connections
When discussing his legacy, Lang Lang expressed the importance of engaging with younger generations. He stated, “It’s important to perform around the world, but it’s also important to me to spend time with the youngsters to build this generation-to-generation experience in music.” His commitment to fostering meaningful connections through music underscores the transformative power of this art form.
The Lang Lang Piano Summer Intensive not only marks a significant milestone in music education in Saudi Arabia but also paves the way for a vibrant future in the world of music.
