Chinese pianist Lang Lang received the inaugural Daphne Music Award in Copenhagen on Thursday for his artistic achievements and efforts to broaden access to classical music. The prize, launched by the Danish Research Foundation, carries an endowment of 650,000 euros.
Lang Lang told Xinhua ahead of the ceremony that he felt honored and appreciated the award's focus on uniting art, science, education, and philanthropy. "It is very meaningful for me to come back to Denmark, meet local audiences and musicians, and exchange ideas through music," he said.
Chinese Ambassador to Denmark Wang Xuefeng described the event as a landmark for China-Denmark cultural exchange. He referred to Lang Lang as an "outstanding cultural ambassador" whose performances blend Eastern and Western traditions.
The ceremony took place at Tivoli Concert Hall, where Lang Lang performed with the Tivoli Copenhagen Philharmonic. It was his first appearance in Denmark in 11 years. Tenor Jonathan Tetelman and soprano Serena Saenz also received Daphne Next Generation Awards, each worth 100,000 euros.
The Danish Research Foundation, founded in 1992, said it will introduce a science prize under the Daphne Awards starting in 2027.
