"Soon, Taihu town will be a new hub in the capital. We look forward to having more people come here to watch performances and get firsthand experience about theatrical productions," Wang said at the opening of Lang's studio.

He says Universal Beijing Resort, where Universal Studios Beijing is located, will start trial operations on Sept 1 and it is some 10 minutes by car from the art center.

Wang says the friendship between Lang and the NCPA started in 2007. A video was screened at the studio opening to trace back that journey.

The video showed some key events: On Dec 31, 2007, Lang performed at the NCPA's inaugural New Year concert under the baton of Japanese conductor Seiji Ozawa; in December 2012, he performed with the China NCPA Orchestra for the first time, marking the NCPA's fifth anniversary; Lang gave his first master class at the NCPA in January 2008, which was followed by two more, in 2009 and 2012; and in 2018, he performed with Berliner Philharmoniker under the baton of Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel at the NCPA.

"He is the first artist to launch a studio at the art center and we expect more to join us," Wang says.

Lang says: "I visit the NCPA every year to perform in concerts and give workshops. I have many unforgettable moments there. Over the past 10 years, it has contributed immensely to promoting classical music in China.

"Once the coronavirus pandemic is stabilized, musicians from all over the world will come to China to perform and have cultural exchange programs with much more enthusiasm than ever before. They will come here as part of their trip to Beijing for sure."

Lang is now working with the China NCPA Orchestra on an original music piece, which will be premiered at the art center.