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A Lang Lang summer: Ryan Wang plays Chopin — Wednesday

Ryan Wang spent his summer touring with the Lang Lang Young Scholars. Hear him perform music by Chopin recorded in IPR's Studio A on "Intermezzo."

While school is out for summer, we're giving you a sneak peak into this season of Intermezzo's content. This is Summer School with the Lang Lang Young Scholars.

Some teens went on summer vacations to the beach or the movies, but the Lang Lang Young Scholars have spent this summer touring around the world. They even stopped by northern Michigan venues for a series of special recitals and events.

About Ryan Wang

17 years old, from Jericho, New York

When you're playing this Chopin nocturne, what imagery pops up?

"For me this piece represents the fight between man and nature. In the beginning there is this huge sense of mystery.

"When the piece modulates, to me it symbolizes man breaking free from chains, and the taste of freedom is amazing, through, sadly short-lived."

Hear today's full episode by clicking "Listen" above or from your preferred podcast app.

Pianist and Lang Lang Scholar Ryan Wang
Pianist and Lang Lang Scholar Ryan Wang

About the Lang Lang Young Scholars Foundation
These young artists are participating as part of a new summer initiative, created through a partnership between Interlochen Center for the Arts and the Lang Lang Young Scholars Program — a multi-year mentorship program for pianists under 18.

Founded in 2008 by Lang Lang, the Lang Lang International Music Foundation (LLIMF) strives to educate, inspire and motivate the next generation of music lovers and performers.

Christy L'Esperance is the host and producer of Intermezzo.
Marc Lacuesta engineered today's music recording.
Gracie Westergaard engineered today's interview.
Scott Clemens is IPR's Digital Content Producer.

Christy L'Esperance is Classical IPR's morning host and producer.