Lang Lang lights up symphony gala

At the San Francisco Symphony opening gala Wednesday night, Lang Lang delivered an effortless, brilliant performance of Sergei Prokofiev’s 1921 Piano Concerto No. 3 as if it were not one of the most difficult virtuoso works in all of music.
 
The young Chinese artist dazzled with astonishing dexterity, letter-perfect delivery and utter ease. This was one occasion when Lang Lang showed off his titanic side, sans an iceberg lurking around.
 
Between the breathtaking rush of the opening and closing movements, the slower, quieter middle andantino could have used more lyricism. But the orchestra, under Michael Tilson Thomas’ knowing baton, supplied a gorgeous sound, something to allow the listener — if not the soloist — to recover before the finale’s torrent.