Lang Lang launches new app challenge with €30k prize

25 March 2014, 10:43

Pianist Lang Lang has created a competition to find the best digital application to encourage learning and discovery of classical music, with a prize of €30,000 for the winning entry.

In a collaboration with technology companies Telefónica and Wayra, the Lang Lang International Foundation, the Lang Lang Challenge will accept proposals from digital developers for an app with a classical music focus.

A panel of judges will evaluate all entries on the basis of their innovation, the app's ability to teach users about an aspect of classical music, according to the press release, "in the most attractive way possible", and the app's potential to be shared around.

This is not the first time that Lang Lang has highlighted his favouring of a digitally integrated future for classical music. At last year's MIDEM conference in Cannes, the pianist made a speech about technology and social media, saying: "The power of technology is limitless like the power of music. Perhaps that's why they are such good partners?"

Entries are being accepted from all territories, provided that the app is in English or Spanish, and apps must be compatible with iOS/Android and Firefox operating systems.

One of the requirements for the app is that it must also contain a connection to Lang Lang himself, in either design or functionality. Lang Lang has been a brand ambassador for Telefónica since 2011.

The deadline for entries is 15th April 2014 and entries can be submitted here.