Resplendent in a Chinese silver robe, a jubilant Lang Lang and 5-year-old Li Muzi provided the musical transition of the opening ceremony performances from a celebration of ancient China to the modern era last night.

Playing a piece composed by Chinese musician Ye Xiaogang, the duet was accompanied by the China Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Yu Long.

On Wednesday morning, the 26-year-old world-renowned Chinese pianist participated in the torch relay. As he was running along Chang'an Avenue, he delighted cheering onlookers by holding the torch in one hand and mimicking playing the piano with the other.

"I am so honored and excited to join the torch relay in Beijing and have been practicing by holding something similar to the torch in size," Lang Lang told China Daily.

On August 19, Lang will participate in another event in celebration of the Beijing Olympics at the National Center for the Performing Arts.

Billed as "A Night For Piano in China" he will perform with nine other pianists: Claude Frank and Vladimir Feltsman from the United States, Philippe Entremont and Cyprien Katsaris from France, Louis Lortie from Canada, Guillermo Gonzalez from Spain, and Chen Sa, Liu Shikun and Qin Yunyi from China. They will play Jubilant China composed by Chinese Cui Shiguang to mark the Beijing Olympic Games.

"It will be great fun to share the stage with 10 pianos," Lang said.

"I did it once a few years ago in Switzerland. There were 10 of us and we made thunderous music. I hope this time we can rehearse together before the concert."

Despite his busy worldwide performing schedule, Lang Lang is taking some time off to stay in Beijing to enjoy the Olympic games. He's looking forward to watching ping pong, gymnastics, diving, basketball and the 110m hurdles featuring Liu Xiang.

The pianist has also been invited to introduce Chinese culture and the Beijing Games on ZDF German Television, one of Europe's largest broadcasters.

"I will work as a guest host to do some programs specializing in the Games," he said.

"As a Chinese, I feel it is my duty and an honor to promote Chinese culture around the world."

Being China's cultural ambassador is a task Lang has been fulfilling in the past two years by way of a documentary about him commissioned by the Beijing Olympic Committee.

The Song of Lang Lang recounts the story of his growth as a pianist and features his performances at dozens of Chinese historical sites, including the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven, as well as by the Yellow River. The film, released in June, has been used by the Beijing Games for promotional purposes.

Lang's latest album The Best & Rarities was released last week in China. It is a collection of 19 pieces selected from six albums he recorded with Deutsche Grammophon.

The two CDs includes Tan Dun's Eight Memories in Watercolor, the Chinese folk pieces Autumn Moon on a Calm Lake and Spring Dance, a duet, Beethoven's Sonata in D major for Piano Four Hands, and two pieces from the soundtrack of the film "The Painted Veil" which won the Golden Globe Award in 2007 for Best Original Score.

"I consider the album a review of my career in the last 10 years. I selected a variety of music ranging from the classics, such as Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, to Chinese folk to a movie soundtrack," he said.

"I am so lucky that my parents, mentors, friends and millions of fans have supported and helped me in the last 10 years.

"Now I understand that winning awards or becoming famous is not that important. What matters is that I really enjoy playing music and have really learned much from music, which will be of great benefit to me throughout my life."

As to his future plans, Lang plans to set up a foundation to support young musicians, he said.