Chinese pianist Lang Lang has become the first Chinese pianist to perform a concert at the iconic Eiffel Tower to celebrate Bastille Day, the National Day of France on Sunday, July 14, 2013, in Paris.
This is the largest national day celebration in 20 years and Lang Lang's appearance was probably France's best kept secret. The French government flew the Chinese concert pianist in from Hong Kong on a private jet.
The stage was set at the foot of the Eiffel tower, with a transparent roof adorned with 30,000 lights.
In an interview with CCTV, Lang Lang said, "I am so honored to be the only Asian performer at a grand national celebration like this. I am proud to be Chinese and hope my music can be inspiring to both the French people and the foreign visitors here."
The audience was mesmerized by Lang Lang's rendition of a piece by French composer Maurice Ravel. The audience ratings for the concert reached their peak during Lang Lang's four minute performance.
French critics heaped praise on Lang Lang's show noting that it eliciting memories of 19th Century composers.