Lang Lang calls for closer link between technology and music

30 January 2013, 10:19

Speaking at the MIDEM conference in Cannes, pianist Lang Lang has emphasised the need for technology and science to work more closely with musicians to create new software and apps.

Lang Lang has called for a closer dialogue between musicians and scientists to create new software and apps. The pianist, who was speaking yesterday at the MIDEM conference in Cannes, also talked about the importance of social media in the modern music industry.

He told the audience that technology's role in classical music must now be to bring it to a wider audience: "It's humbling to think that our performances can be telecast to the world at the touch of a button. The power of technology is limitless like the power of music. Perhaps that's why they are such good partners?"

Lang Lang was quick to point out, though, that the human role in music-making was always going to be crucial, and that "no software can replicate human feeling." He also said that social media has been an invaluable way for him to keep in touch with fans and for networking.

It's been a notable MIDEM conference for Lang Lang this year - he also picked up the Medal of the Order of Arts and Letters, presented to him by the French minister of culture and communication, Aurélie Filippetti.