Lincoln Center to host Chinese New Year's concert

Lincoln Center, the world's leading performing arts center in New York, will host its first-ever Chinese New Year's Concert, starring famed Chinese pianist Lang Lang.

Lang Lang announced the news at a press conference held by the Chinese Ministry of Culture on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 in Beijing. The concert is part of the ministry's "Happy Chinese New Year" campaign, a cultural exchange and showcase activity carried out across the globe.

"I am excited to play with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra to stage the Lincoln Center's first-ever Chinese New Year's Concert," said Lang.

Lang also said some works of prestigious Chinese composers will be featured in the concert along with well-known foreign songs.

"Happy Chinese New Year" was launched by the Chinese Ministry of Culture along with other government departments in 2010. It was performed in some 40 countries and regions in the world in 2010 and over 60 in 2011.

This year, according to the ministry, it will go to 144 cities across 82 countries and regions, featuring more than 300 cultural activities, including theater performances, gala shows, folk culture exhibitions and antique displays.