Chinese Grammy-nominated concert pianist Lang Lang was announced as an image ambassador of the Chengdu 2021 Summer Universiade ©Chengdu 2012

Chinese Grammy-nominated concert pianist Lang Lang has been announced as an image ambassador of next year's Summer World University Games in Chengdu. 

Lang was performing in a Chengdu 2021 New Year concert when his role was announced by Organising Committee director Luo Qiang. 

"I am honored to be the image ambassador of the 2021 Universiade in Chengdu," the 37-year-old said. 

"The sports industry and the music industry [in China] are both rapidly developing in recent years. 

"They are the embodiment of people's pursuit of spiritual enjoyment. 

"Music can enrich sporting display elements and add dynamic and vitality. 

"In turn, sports can also provide music with another direction of content creation and promote the diversified development of music."

Lang Lang performed a number of recitals at the Sichuan Provincial Gymnasium ©Chengdu 2021
Lang Lang performed a number of recitals at the Sichuan Provincial Gymnasium ©Chengdu 2021

The audience in the Sichuan Provincial Gymnasium were treated to a number of recitals from Lang, including a composition called Chengdu performed with the Sichuan Philharmonic Orchestra. 

Lang was nominated for a Grammy award in 2007 and became a United Nations Messenger of Peace in 2013.

He participated in the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, carrying the Flame through the English town of Hornchurch.

The concert was organised by Chengdu 2021, the Chengdu Media Group, the Beijing Zodiac Times Culture Technology Company and Chengdu Commercial Daily Marketing Planning Company. 

Chengdu 2021 is scheduled to take place from August 8 to 19, with competition expected to take place in 18 sports.