Lang Lang to perform at Olympics

BEIJING, Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Renowned Chinese pianist Lang Lang is to perform at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games opening ceremony in Beijing, Align Entertainment Group said Thursday.

The 26-year-old pianist is scheduled to perform Friday. An estimated 5 billion people are expected to watch the opening ceremony.

One of the best-selling classical musicians in the world, Lang also appeared live Thursday from Beijing on NBC's "The Today Show." The show is planning to feature a special artist profile on him the following week, as well, Lang's representatives said.

In addition to playing sold-out dates in major cities around the world this year, Lang was invited to perform at the 50th annual Grammy awards show with jazz great Herbie Hancock.

He has also raised millions of dollars, through numerous performances, for the China earthquake relief efforts and he recently released his autobiography, "Journey of a Thousand Miles," as well as a book for children, "Lang Lang: Playing with Flying Keys," his representatives said.