Lang Lang releases new album in NYC to celebrate World Piano Day

A traveling piano placed in a transparent cargo van voyaged through New York City on Friday, making stops at various locations and inviting people to play it as a special way to mark the annual world piano Day.

The event alsocelebrated the global release of superstar Chinese pianist Lang Lang's new album "piano Book," which was launched byUniversal Music Group, an American global music corporation.

The 37-year-old pianist is one of the most celebrated pianistsin China, whois famous for his passionateperformance style. Lang brought performances to audiences worldwide at many of the most prestigious concert halls, including NYC's Carnegie Hall and London's Royal Albert Hall.

Lang Lang Inspires, a special project at Southbank Centre, with a rehearsal for a massed piano event with superstar Chinese pianist Lang Lang, performing alongside 100 young UK pianists and Steinway grand pianos on the Royal Festival Hall stage, May 22, 2011. /VCG Photo

As an award-winning musical performer, he was also featured at numerous big events, such as China's most viewed Spring Festival Galas and the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony.

His new album"piano Book" is a collection of classicpieces that he learned at a very young age and are some of his favorites.

As the first new album in three years from the globally famed piano virtuoso, it aims to bring classical music to a global audience and spread the message that classical music is universal, according to a press release.

The traveling piano also echoed Lang Lang's ambition to share the joy of making music and inspire people from all backgrounds to fall in love with the piano, as he believes that "music makes life better."

A poster for Lang Lang's new album "piano Book" /Photo via Xinhua

Driving from midtown Manhattan's Lincoln Center and Bryant Park, to downtown's Union Square and Chinatown, the van became a traveling musical box, which drew amateur pianists and piano lovers to get inside to show their musical talent and passion.

Massive passersby were also attracted toward the traveling musical box by beautiful melodies of the piano, taking photos and cheering for the performers.

In 2015, German pianist Nils Frahm declared the 88th day of a year as the world piano Day, as modern standard pianos have 88 keys. It has been celebrated in dozens of cities around the world over the past years.

(Cover: A poster for Lang Lang's new album "piano Book" /Photo via Xinhua)

(With input from Xinhua)