Pianist Lang Lang to Open S.F. Symphony Season
July 10, 2009
The San Francisco Symphony will open its 98th Season with an opening gala concert on Sept. 9 featuring renowned pianist Lang Lang, with all proceeds to benefit the orchestra’s education and community programs.
These programs provide music education to more than 75,000 Bay Area children each year with a comprehensive music education program to every first through fifth grade student in the San Francisco Unified School District.
Pianist Lang Lang, who came to America’s attention in August 2009 when 2 billion people watched Lang Lang’s performance in Beijing’s Opening Ceremonies for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad. He was born in 1982 in Shenyang, China, where he began piano lessons at the age of three. His big break came in 1999 at the Ravinia Festival’s “Gala of the Century” with its dramatic last-minute substitution for an indisposed Andre Watts. Lang Lang recently authored an autobiography, Journey of a Thousand Miles. He most recently appeared with the San Francisco Symphony in residency during the 2008-2009 season with performances and educational events in San Francisco schools.
The 2009 Opening Gala Committee includes Chairman Jessa Wu, with Patrons Dinner Co-Chairs Leona Bridges, Sherry Chen, Emma Goltz, Judy Guggenhime, Lisa Grotts, Liz Larned, Becca Prowda and Judy Zafran. Chairman Jessa Wu is an avid and generous supporter of the San Francisco Symphony, having chaired the Chinese New Year celebration from 2004-2006. She serves on the Foundation Board of City College of San Francisco and the Advisory Board of Project Hope’s Western Region.
photo by Kai Ping Lu
SFS Opening Gala chairman Jessa Wu, 3rd from right, greets event Sponsors Wells Fargo and Sybase representatives to McCall Associates Tasting Luncheon.
Tickets for the Opening Gala and concert are currently on sale. For details call the volunteer council at (415) 503- 5500.
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