Langham and pianist, Lang Lang have awarded the first Langham Lang Lang music scholarship to Hong Kong prodigy, 8 year-old Li Zhongxin.

Presented jointly by Dr K.S.Lo, executive chairman of Langham Hospitality Group and Lang Lang at a special Master Class event this month at Langham Place, Mongkok, Hong Kong, the award recognises exceptional talent and promise as a great pianist of the future.

Described by the New York Times as the hottest artist on the classical music planet, Lang Lang is also the luxury hotel operator's first global ambassador. He said: "Li Zhongxin embodies everything I see in a classical musician of the future. I am delighted that the Langham Hospitality Group shares my vision of enhancing the understanding and appreciation of classical music for future generations with the first Langham Lang Lang Music Scholarship."

Lang Lang first recognised Li Zhongxin's exceptional talent when he saw him perform Mozart's Piano Sonata No. 10 in C Major, K. 330 at the Lang Lang Charity Concert for UNICEF in May, 2010.

Third-grader, Li Zhongxin, studies at Hong Kong Yew Chung International School. He started playing piano from the age of 4. By the time he was 7 years old, he had earned his grade 8 piano certificate with distinction from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.

As an ambassador for Langham Hospitality Group, Lang Lang hosted the Master Class event in Hong Kong on August 10 followed by afternoon tea. The event was a celebration of classical piano music where three talented students were inspired by Lang Lang's encouraging critique. The audience included specially-invited guests who were all winners of the Hong Kong Youth Piano Open competition 2011.

Lang Lang said: "I love the way Langham look to inspire their guests in innovative ways as I do with my music. Their art of hospitality blends perfectly with my desire always to explore ways of giving back to the community. That's what the Master Class and the Langham Lang Lang Music Scholarship have been all about."

Dr K.S. Lo said: "The Langham Lang Lang Music Scholarship forms part of our efforts to foster the talents of the next generation which is a subject close to my heart. Lang Lang has made an incredibly positive and lasting impact on the lives of everyone in the room today at the Master Class – with the 3 students who were inspired by his encouragement and the audience of exceptional winners."

Lang Lang was named as one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2009 and has earned international praise for his dazzling style and charisma transcending national borders and demographics identifying him as the perfect personality to reflect both The Langham and Langham Place as the group's brand ambassador.