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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Culture & Society

Lin Ting-han Reveals Lang Lang's True Nature, Was Stunned by Request and Considered Quitting

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Taiwanese singer-songwriter Lin Ting-han served as music director and recording engineer for the "Midsummer Night's Dream Concert at Sea," starring pianist Lang Lang.
  • Lin initially felt overwhelmed by the responsibility, even considering quitting, but ultimately embraced the challenge.
  • He discovered a surprising coincidence: Lin and Lang Lang's wife, Gina Alice Redlinger, share the same birthday.

Taiwanese artist Lin Ting-han has achieved a new milestone in his music career, serving as music director and recording engineer for the "Midsummer Night's Dream Concert at Sea." The concert features internationally acclaimed pianist Lang Lang and his wife, Gina Alice Redlinger.

Lin, who turned 32 just before the concert, admitted to feeling immense pressure upon being invited to take on the role. "I was so shocked I just sat there stunned for several minutes," he said. "My first reaction was actually to refuse and just quit on the spot!" The thought of the responsibility was overwhelming, but he soon realized the unique opportunity it presented.

I was so shocked I just sat there stunned for several minutes. My first reaction was actually to refuse and just quit on the spot!

— Lin Ting-hanDescribing his initial reaction to being asked to be the music director for the concert.

"If I turned it down, I would be a complete idiot!" Lin exclaimed, deciding to channel the unexpected surprise into motivation for what he called the biggest challenge of his nine-year singing career. To prepare, he flew to Hangzhou a month before the performance to meet Lang Lang and familiarize himself with their working styles.

If I turned it down, I would be a complete idiot!

— Lin Ting-hanReflecting on his decision to accept the challenging role.

During his time in Hangzhou, Lin observed Lang Lang's rigorous approach to work, noting his strictness when teaching piano to children. This initial observation made Lin anxious about their upcoming collaboration. However, his fears dissipated upon meeting Lang Lang, who greeted him warmly and, after reviewing the music, quickly practiced and flawlessly recorded the theme song in one take.

An unexpected connection emerged during a joint media interview: Lin Ting-han and Gina Alice Redlinger share the exact same birthday. This remarkable coincidence added another layer to their already music-bound relationship, leading to a promise to celebrate future birthdays together. The concert's timing on Lin's birthday made it a particularly meaningful event.

Lang Lang greeted me with a big smile and after looking at the score, he just said, 'Great, it's quite difficult! Wait a moment, I'll practice it!' To my surprise, he practiced it in about twenty seconds and then nailed the official recording in one take! I can only describe him as a true master.

— Lin Ting-hanRecounting his experience working with Lang Lang on the theme song.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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