UNITED NATIONS, (Xinhua via COMTEX) ó Chinese piano virtuoso Lang Lang was today appointed Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), who will focus on child survival and immunization issues in his voluntary work.
"We are thrilled that Lang Lang will devote his time and talents to improving the lives of children who live far from the concert halls of the world's capitals," UNICEF Executive Director Carol Bellamy said at a ceremony at the UNICEF House in New York.
"Lang Lang has been an amazing ambassador for classical music, and I have no doubt that he will be an extraordinary ambassador for children as well."
He joined a long list of UNICEF Goodwill Ambassadors who travel the world on behalf of children, including American actor Harry Belafonte and Hong Kong movie stars Jackie Chan and Leon Lai.
"I am honored to be taking my place among such renowned champions for children, and I am excited to begin doing what I can to help bring the world's attention to the pressing needs of children," said Lang Lang.
Lang Lang, 21, has played with all the major American orchestras and was the first Chinese pianist to be engaged by the Berlin Philharmonic.
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