Lang Lang is a rock star. Not in the typical sense meaning, you're not going to see him double billed with U2 or Coldplay anytime soon (but never say never). No, it's the persona of Lang Lang that's really rock star in stature. Unlike many of his pianist peers, it is Lang Lang's connection not just with his music but with his audience that gives him that Jagger-like prominence. While he doesn't strut with the sexual bravado of the aforementioned Rolling Stone, his enthusiasm and passion is what captivates his audience much like his hero, Liszt. A little background: After first hearing Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 in a Tom and Jerry cartoon at the age of 3, Lang Lang realized his purpose. Now approaching 30, Liszt is still a big part of his life so much so, he's dedicated virtually an entire CD to his idol aptly entitled 'Lizst: My Piano Hero.'

This weekend, Lang Lang will perform with the Los Angeles Philharmonic led by Gustavo Dudamel and guess what? Liszt is not on the menu at least, on paper. 'Bach, Schubert and Chopin are already a program which I think fits very well, and it was already planned even before I did the recording,' says the artist. 'But don't worry, we will have Liszt for the encore