Lang Lang wins International Artist of the Year Classic BRIT Award

25 September 2013, 00:01 | Updated: 9 October 2013, 11:26

The Classic BRIT Award for International Artist of the Year went to Chinese pianist Lang Lang.

The special award was presented to Lang Lang by Les Miserables star Samantha Barks in recognition of the pianist's global success as a recording artist and performer, as well as his work in popularising the piano among young players in China and beyond. 

"This award is a unique opportunity to recognise those rare performers whose innate ability seemingly knows no bounds," said Barks. "And tonight's winner is certainly no exception...Quite incredible."

Co-chairmen of the the Classic BRIT Awards committee, Dickon Stainer and Barry McCann, commented: "His continuing enthusiasm, efforts and performances around the globe have helped encourage people of all ages to start playing the piano and this above all is what we hope to achieve with each Classic BRIT Awards event."

The star-studded audience at the Awards ceremony were treated to two special performances from Lang Lang. He played Chopin's Grande Valse Brilliante and - in a unique collaboration with violinist Nicola Benedetti - Khachaturian's Sabre Dance - described by awards host Myleene Klass as a 'fantastic opening to the show.'