Lang Lang (& Mom)

Wavemaker Conversations: A Podcast for the Insanely Curious

Backstage with the pianist who has been called “the hottest classical artist on the planet” – Lang Lang. Featuring a rare appearance by his mom, speaking in Mandarin with such emotion that her son’s translations are barely necessary. Michael first sat down with Lang Lang more than a decade ago, for CNN. Lang Lang had recently graduated from Philadelphia’s prestigious Curtis Institute via China and was emerging as a star. It was the very first international news profile of Lang Lang. Back then,he was not ready to reveal what he shares with Michael now about the struggles of his journey to the top. Lang Lang’s mom shares with us the painful sacrifice she made for the sake of her son’s future. And she movingly describes the piece she most loves to hear her son play and why. He honors her request, for a memorable musical ending to this episode.