THE INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE BY PIANIST LANG LANG IN NOTRE-DAME

In celebration of Notre-Dame'sthrillingreopening, the cathedral hosted a concert with some of the world's best classical musicians. Lang Lang, who is considered to be one of the greatest pianists alive, was one of the virtuosos who performed. The Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France and renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel joined Lang Lang in a stunning rendition of the last movement of Camille Saint-Saëns' "Second Piano Concerto."

The musical selection has its roots in the long-standing relationship between the capital of France and its cherished cathedral. Born and raised in Paris, Saint-Saëns captivated local audiences with his lively compositions and even served as a church organist for 20 years.

Because the music in the Second Piano Concerto moves quickly, it is said to require extraordinary skill. The gifted Lang Lang gave his all during the performance, giving an accurate yet sincere rendition. The French composer Saint-Saëns is well-known to the Chinese pianist, who earlier this year released an entire album of his compositions. It features the same Second Piano Concerto he performed at Notre Dame, which he has called a “magnificent but underrated Romantic masterpiece.” It is aptly named Saint-Saëns.

"To celebrate the re-opening of Notre Dame in Paris, I had the honour of performing this weekend with the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra and @gustavodudamel," the pianist wrote on Instagram. "I'm so thankful to have been a part of this historic moment.”