Lang Lang Opens Carnegie Season

Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang, conductor Nikolaus Harnoncourt and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra had New York heavyweights Tony Bennett, Candice Bergen, Barbara Walters, Mercedes Bass, Renée Fleming and Jessye Norman on their feet Wednesday at Carnegie Hall's opening night.

"You can not have a better orchestra than the Vienna Philharmonic," said Ms. Bass, wearing a black-and-red Oscar de la Renta creation.

"They have played at Carnegie Hall many times and this is their 101st anniversary. It is always a treat to have them."

Mr. Lang credited Mr. Harnoncourt and the Orchestra for the "amazing performance." "There was a real freedom, so they let a lot of air into the music. I felt like I had a lot of space to share emotions, even though the piece is so classical."

Ms. Walters remarked that "Beethoven's 7th is always exciting and very gallant." She also happened to be wearing Mr. de la Renta, but her pink design was vintage. "This is very old Oscar. This is the second time I've worn it at a Carnegie Hall opening. I thought it had been so long no one would remember."

Ms. Norman didn't have as much to say on her wares, "I forgot who this is; this is just stuff from my closet," she said, but went on about Mr. Lang.

"It is really wonderful to be on the stage, but tonight it was special to be in the box because of Lang Lang. He used to look like a little boy, but now he is this gorgeous young man. La la la."