Roland and 101 Pianists in Philadelphia

Roland Partners with Lang Lang International Music Foundation for Piano Education on a Grand Scale

On May 10, Temple University hosted the first 101 Pianists concert and masterclass event of 2016 in Philadelphia, PA. Using 50 Roland pianos, 100 piano students from the local community performed together as a “piano orchestra” with acclaimed concert pianist Lang Lang. The Lang Lang International Music Foundation, together with the Philadelphia Orchestra, organized the educational event as part of the orchestra’s PlayIN series of programs, designed to encourage people of all ages to experience classical music as listeners or performers.

About 101 Pianists

The 101 Pianists series is the brainchild of Lang Lang, who is a passionate supporter of music education. Its mission is to share classical music with children around the world, and to offer piano students a way to perform as a group in more of a social setting, similar to the experience had by their peers who participate in school bands and orchestras. “I started 101 Pianists to give piano students an opportunity to play together,” says Lang Lang. “It started about 15 years ago at one of my concerts, where I invited students to join me for an encore, and we had a wonderful time. So, I wanted to do more of these events as a workshop and also a performance for the community. It’s now one of the key programs of my foundation.”

Every year, the program visits multiple cities around the world. Roland supports each event by providing 50 pianos on which the students perform. “Lang Lang’s foundation introduces the love of playing piano in a unique and modern way that resonates with young students and inspires them to further develop and share their talents,” notes Jay Wanamaker, Roland Corporation U.S. President & CEO. “Our company has always been a big advocate of music education, so we are proud to align with an organization that shares our dedication.”

Temple University Performing Arts Center.

Lang Lang attended college at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia. He celebrated his homecoming by offering an open invitation to local piano students in grades K through 12 to perform with him. Playing Roland HP603 and HP504 Digital Pianos, the young students joined in pairs to perform four-hand arrangements of Brahms’ Hungarian Dance No. 5 in F sharp minor and Schubert’s Marche Militaire No. 1 in D major. They were accompanied by Lang Lang and conducted by the Philadelphia Orchestra’s Lio Kuokman in a concert that will surely be a memorable experience and an inspiration for a lifetime of music making.

101 Pianists Coming to Walt Disney Concert Hall

For the first time ever in Southern California, Lang Lang will perform with 100 students, who are practicing now for their big day at the famed Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles. On July 11, 2016, the stage that is home to the LA Philharmonic will be filled with 50 pianos from Roland and Steinway for a free concert and workshop with Lang Lang. If you’re a piano student or music lover who lives in the Los Angeles area, don’t miss this chance to see one of the true masters teach and share his insights on literature every pianist should study. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to experience a glorious concert venue, which is famous for both its incomparable acoustics and iconic architecture. Visit the LA Philharmonic website for more information.

Walt Disney Concert Hall in downtown Los Angeles.

About the Roland HP603 and HP504 Digital Pianos

Equipped with the latest Roland piano technologies, the HP603 and HP504 bring a superior piano experience to any home. They feature Roland’s acclaimed sound and touch, and offer a wealth of functions for education and enjoyment. These include quiet practice with headphones, built-in recording, onboard lessons, and more. The pianos also support many free Roland music apps for Apple iOS devices, providing a unique and fun way to motivate interest in playing and practicing. Both models are available in a choice of attractive finishes to complement any home décor.

Learn more about the HP603, HP504, and the entire lineup of Roland pianos at RolandUS.com.