Lang Lang's concert featuring traditional Chinese music was recorded at the Central Conservatory of Beijing, where the artist began his professional studies and where he found experts in traditional Chinese music to join him for this musical meeting of East and West. On and off the concert stage, Lang Lang views himself as mediator between cultures. Lang Lang also sees his success and exceptional talent as being accompanied by great responsibility, in particular to younger generations.

The documentary follows him taking on some of these non-musical responsibilities as a UNICEF ambassador, for example shadowing him on his visit to street children in his home town Shenyang, during part of which he reminisces on camera about his childhood. Dragon Songs is the result of collaborative efforts between Lang Lang himself and director Benedict Mirow, and it gives audiences a refreshing look at an artist normally only visible during large press events or on concert stages.

Photo © Robert Ascroft / Sony Classical