NYC & COMPANY INVITES VISITORS TO EXPERIENCE INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED PIANIST LANG LANGS NEW YORK CITY

9/20/16


NYC & COMPANY INVITES VISITORS TO EXPERIENCE INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED PIANIST LANG LANG’S NEW YORK CITY


New York City (September 20, 2016) — NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization, is excited to announce that Lang Lang, a musician who has established himself among the world’s top pianists and is also a New York City transplant, will promote his favorite things to do, see and experience around the City’s five boroughs on nycgo.com, starting today. At an event this morning, Lang Lang was inducted into Gray Line’s Ride of Fame and received a proclamation from the City of New York declaring today, September 20, 2016 Lang Lang Day in New York City.


“Lang Lang’s love for New York City, his immense talent and global following make him a perfect fit to highlight the world-class nature of the arts and culture scene of New York City,” said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company. “Culture is a vital part of NYC’s tourism industry, and we encourage visitors to experience New York City through the lens of this talented New Yorker as he shares his appreciation for NYC in his music.”


"I love New York City and experiencing the hospitality, energy and dynamism felt throughout the neighborhoods in all five boroughs,” said Lang Lang. “I’m excited to share my NYC favorites in hopes that visitors will love the City as much as I do.” 


Lang Lang, a Steinway Artist and NYC Cultural Tourism Ambassador, kicked off the day with a Facebook Live performance at Steinway Hall of music from his new album on Sony Classical, New York Rhapsody, inspired by the City he considers his second home. Following the performance and Ride of Fame induction, Lang Lang hosted a Gray Line tour through Times Square to Queens where he and his guests went on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Steinway & Sons piano factory in Queens. 


Lang Lang discussed his love for New York City in a video featured on nycgo.com/lang-lang. Lang Lang’s favorite things about New York City include:















  • Broadway shows like

    The Lion King

    ,

    The Phantom of the Opera

    and, coming soon—much to his anticipation—

    Frozen

    .


     


  • Carnegie Hall, where he played at 18 years old!


     


  • Chinese food in Flushing, Queens and Manhattan’s Chinatown.


     


  • DUMBO, Brooklyn: “It’s an awesome neighborhood for dating, because there are so many restaurants and coffee shops.”


     


  • Empire State Building: “Don’t miss the breathtaking view.”


     


  • Floats during the Thanksgiving Day Parade (he got to ride on one of them in 2008).


     


  • Lincoln Center and The Metropolitan Opera, for great performances.


     


  • New York Botanical Garden: “A getaway with birds, plants, flowers—everything you want.”


     


  • Shopping on Fifth Avenue and the Upper East Side, as well as Soho.


     


  • The Steinway piano factory in Queens: “The first time I went there, it was magnificent to feel what a true handmade piano was like.”


     


  • Times Square: “The area is bustling and diverse—it feels like the movies.”


     


  • Walking around the City—like a jaunt from Central Park South to Central Park North, passing the American Museum of Natural History along the way.


Lang Lang, who has a home in Manhattan and is a United Nations Messenger of Peace, announced his partnership with NYC & Company in July with a video statement during the city-to-city tourism partnership announcement between Shanghai and New York City, which took place in Shanghai. Lang Lang’s one-year ambassadorship with NYC & Company coincides with the release of his new album on Sony Classical, New York Rhapsody.


Lang Lang was also inducted into the prestigious Ride of Fame as an “IT” honoree, joining the likes of Sir Patrick Stewart and Liza Minnelli. The Ride of Fame is a continuing worldwide series of mobile monuments dedicated to public figures highlighting and promoting their respective cities with their business and personal endeavors. Lang Lang was presented with a double-decker bus designated with a permanent “IT” classification artwork, and a seat he inscribed with a personal message for the world to see.


“The fabric of New York City is reflected so passionately in Lang Lang’s lyrics,” said David W. Chien, Creator/Producer of the Ride of Fame. “His Ride of Fame induction ceremony fits in perfect harmony with our mission of honoring those who consistently give back to the cities they love.” 


“Steinway & Sons was founded in New York City in 1853 and still handcrafts the world’s finest pianos here in our Astoria, Queens factory,” said Ron Losby, CEO, Steinway Musical Instruments. “It seems especially fitting that our valued Steinway Artist Lang Lang has chosen New York City as his adoptive home, and that he was selected to represent our great city as a Cultural Tourism Ambassador.” 


Steinway & Sons offers free public factory tours from September through the end of June; factory tours are not available in July and August. They occur once a week on Tuesdays, and go from 9:30am until noon. Since there is only one tour each week and tour groups are capped at 15 people, tours must be booked well in advance. To schedule a tour contact Steinway at tours@steinway.com or 718-721-2600. 
















About NYC & Company:
NYC & Company is the official destination marketing organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide. For more information, visit nycgo.com.



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NYC & Company / Chris Heywood 212-484-1270
NYC & Company / Britt Hijkoop 212-484-5458