Lang Lang hits up Civic Opera House this Saturday

Detlef Schneider

Superstar pianist Lang Lang is the hottest classical ticket in town this weekend. The Chinese ivory tickler, whose first exposure to western classical music was the Tom & Jerry "Cat Concerto" cartoon in which Liszt's music figures prominently, makes his only Chicago-area appearance of 2012 at the Civic Opera House on May 12.

Although the New York City resident has frequently performed at Symphony Center and Ravinia (where he debuted at age 17 to wild acclaim), the piano prodigy hand-picked the historic Civic for this year's Chicago appearance. While he won't be delving into any operatic transcriptions or performing with singers, the 29-year-old makes his debut at the stunning venue with Bach's Partita No. 1 in B-flat Major, Schubert's Sonata in B-Flat Major, D. 960 and Chopin's 12 Études, Op. 25.

"My longtime fascination with opera and its power to transform reality has, in a way, informed my own piano playing," he said in a press statement released by the Lyric Opera. "I have been trying to channel the same degree of passion and intensity into my performances, and I see this recital as my tribute to this highly compelling genre. It is also a pleasure to play in front of a new audience and I hope that they will enjoy the experience.”

Lang Lang plays at Civic Opera House at 7:30pm on May 12. Tickets are $25–$500.