LANG Lang is a Chinese pianist, a graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, and a designated United Nations Messenger of Peace. In 1997, he signed with IMG Artists and launched his professional performing career. In 2001, he performed at the Great Hall of the People as part of the centennial tour; in 2002, he received the Bernstein Art Achievement Award. He subsequently released albums including Tchaikovsky/Mendelssohn Concertos and Dragon Songs, gave a solo recital at the White House in 2005, and received the Recording Academy's President's Merit Award in 2008. In 2010, Lang won the International Mendelssohn Prize, becoming the first Chinese recipient. In the 2010s, he won the Classic BRIT Award for International Artist of the Year and was officially appointed a UN Messenger of Peace, extending his artistic influence and humanitarian work across the globe.