Green Music Center kicks off new season

Classical music lovers ushered in the Green Music Center’s new season Saturday night under a tent transformed into an elegant contemporary Asian pavilion in honor of their superstar guest, the pianist Lang Lang.

The 33-year-old international sensation stirred patrons of the opening night gala at the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University with a program of his signature interpretations of Bach, Tchaikovsky and Chopin. It was Lang Lang’s third visit to Weill Hall since he performed at its grand opening in 2012.

Afterward, nearly 300 gala goers retreated to a party behind the main hall, where they were able to mingle with Lang Lang while dining on smoked trout, hanger steak with braised carrots and chocolate mousse, created by chef Trevor Kunk of Press restaurant in St. Helena, with support from Elaine Bell Catering.

Attendees paid $1,500 a ticket or $25,000 for a sponsored table, soaking up an atmosphere that was all gold, red and black, with bamboo and hanging Chinese lanterns.

Dr. Alice Chiang and Joan Weill, members of the Green Music Center board of advisers, were co-chairwomen of the affair.

On Sunday, Lang Lang will return to lead 100 young pianists ages 6 to 17 from throughout Northern California in a rehearsal prior to a public performance of two pieces by Schubert and Brahms.

101 Pianists, presented in association with the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, aims to encourage young pianists, who traditionally play solo, to enjoy the social nature of music-making as an ensemble and to work and perform with the world-class pianist.

The public can observe the master class at 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10. Visit http://gmc.sonoma.edu for more information.