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Lang Lang International Music Foundation Bi-Annual Gala Set For March 4 At The Metropolitan Club In New York City

Will Feature Performances By Lang Lang, Antonia Bennett, Ray Chen And More

 

FEBRUARY 4 (NEW YORK, NY) - Today, the Lang Lang International Music Foundation announced its bi-annual gala, taking place on Wednesday, March 4 at The Metropolitan Club in New York City. The evening will feature special performances by students of the foundation, Antonia BennettRay Chen, and world-renowned pianist Lang Lang. The gala serves as a celebration of the foundation’s mission to inspire and cultivate the next generation of musicians through innovative programs and exceptional educational opportunities.

Founded in 2008, the Lang Lang International Music Foundation operates under the core belief that music education is absolutely essential for early childhood education and should be easily accessible to all students, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. Through its programs, the foundation continues to empower young musicians to reach their full potential and inspire a lifelong love of music. 

“What makes the Lang Lang International Music Foundation special is its ability to reach students across communities and open doors through music,” says Lukas Barwinski-Brown, CEO. “This gala honors the shared belief that music can inspire, connect, and create lasting impact.”

Keys of Inspiration (KOI), one of the foundation’s main programs, empowers students in underserved communities by fostering creativity, confidence, discipline, and collaboration through music education. Since its launch in 2013, KOI has reached more than 200,000 students worldwide, spanning 192 schools across the United States, Europe, and China. Additionally, the program has served nearly 60,000 students across major cities including New York, Chicago, Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, and more. KOI reduces the need for private lessons, while ensuring every child has the opportunity to explore their passion and potential through music. The program remains committed to bridging the gap in arts education and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to explore their passion and potential through music.

In the United States, KOI greatly lowers the need for private music lessons. This saves schools about $680,000 each year and adds up to $68 million in savings on private lesson fees over time. Thanks to this program, every child gets a fair chance to discover their interest, potential and talent in music.

Ahead of the gala, the foundation will honor Jung Eun Hong of Brooklyn’s PS 214K Michael Friedsam School as the 2024–2025 Keys of Inspiration Teacher of the Year. Her innovative approach to music education and deep commitment to her students have made a lasting impact within New York City Public Schools and the broader KOI community.

Mandeville Primary School, London UK

Copyright Lang Lang Foundation UK

Another one of the foundation’s main programs, Young Scholars, is a three-year initiative designed to empower talented young pianists ages 13–18. Each year, approximately 20 pianists from across the globe participate in the program, where they engage in immersive international exchanges and week-long lessons at renowned institutions offering tailored opportunities that foster musical excellence and cross-cultural collaboration. This year’s gala will feature performances by Young Scholars Seokyoung Hong, Ryan Huang, Anna Kesselman, Alexander Liu, Ryan Wang, Taige Wang, and Sencheng Zhang.

Scholars benefit from masterclasses with Lang Lang and distinguished faculty from institutions such as Juilliard, The Royal Academy of Music, and the Manhattan School of Music, while performing in venues ranging from local stages to world-class concert halls. Most recently, they trained at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, attended the Cleveland Summit at the Cleveland Institute of Music, studied at the Interlochen Arts Camp, participated in the Aspen Music Festival, and performed atpiano festivals in France, Germany, Italy, Poland, UK, China, Switzerland and Poland.These experiences equip young pianists with the tools, skills, and confidence they need to pursue professional careers in music. 

Additionally, The Lang Lang International Music Foundation’s Music Heals program is dedicated to supporting children facing significant challenges by harnessing the transformative power of music. Whether a child is navigating physical illness, coping with mental health struggles, or dealing with the loss of a loved one, Music Heals provides comfort, inspiration, and a safe space for creative expression. Through concerts and interactive workshops, the program brings moments of joy and empowerment to children and families, uplifting them during difficult times and fostering hope through the power of music.

The Lang Lang International Music Foundation wishes to thank the following sponsors for their generous support of the 2026 Gala: Moët Hennessy, Hennessy Cognac Paradis, Duncan Peak Vineyards, Repêchage, and Perlage.

For more information on the foundation, its programs, and the gala please visit https://langlangfoundation.org/home/.

 

About the Lang Lang International Music Foundation

Founded by world-renowned pianist Lang Lang in 2008, the Lang Lang International Music Foundation operates under the belief that music education is a fundamental right. The Lang Lang International Music Foundation stands as a powerful advocate for arts education. The foundation shines light on the importance of music education being taught using the “whole child” approach – which places priority on educating a student’s social, emotional, cognitive, physical, psychological, and academic needs. This framework sets up children to reach their full potential regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. With innovative programs, dedicated partners, and a belief in every child’s potential, the Lang Lang International Music Foundation is transforming the future of music education.

For more information on the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, please contact:

Allison Elbl and Alexa Price at Shore Fire