Chinese pianist Lang Lang has signed to Sony Music. The 27-year-old moves from Deutsche Grammophon, the label he joined in 2003. In the years since, his virtuoso talent and media appeal have propelled him to the status of one of classical music’s highest-profile stars, not least in China where he has become a figurehead for the country’s burgeoning enthusiasm for classical music. The deal with Sony begins this month and their first disc together is due in the autumn, though repertoire details are yet to be announced. According to Lang Lang’s management, part of the reason for the move is the increased opportunities that Sony, a media company with film and technology divisions, can offer. In 2008 the pianist became a brand ambassador for Sony, helping promote its electronics products. Lang Lang’s most recent recording on DG – Rachmaninov and Tchaikovsky chamber works performed with Vadim Repin and Mischa Maisky – was well received in Gramophone’s November 2009 issue. Earlier this month Sony Classical also announced the signing of Simone Dinnerstein, another high-profile pianist whose previous two discs both topped the US Classical Billboard chart. She moved from Telarc – the label where, incidentally, Lang Lang had begun his recording career prior to joining DG.