Pianist cements his place in musical history becoming the first Chinese to be named International Artist of the Year at the prestigious Classic Brit Awards. Zhang Chunyan and Cecily Liu report in London.

Twelve years ago when the Chinese young pianist Lang Lang performed at the Royal Albert Hall in London for the first time he was little known to many in the audience. Since then Lang Lang has matured and risen to dizzying heights, and is known to millions worldwide, but it was perhaps appropriate that his latest accolade, being named International Artist of the Year, occurred within the terracotta-colored walls of the Royal Albert Hall on Oct 2.

It was the first time a Chinese musician has been awarded the distinction, part of the Classic Brit Awards.