Pianist Lang Lang (L) and Leszek Barwinski-Brown, CEO of the Lang Lang International Music Foundation, express their thankfulness in a benefit gala for music education in the United States and China, in New York Oct. 10, 2018. Lang Lang raised 1.6 million U.S. dollars in the benefit gala during a celebration for the 10th anniversary of the Lang Lang International Music Foundation. (Xinhua/Wang Ying)

NEW YORK, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese pianist Lang Lang raised 1.6 million U.S. dollars in a benefit gala here on Wednesday for music education in the United States and China.

The gala, staged at Cipriani 25 Broadway in Lower Manhattan on the evening, coincided with the 10th Anniversary of the Lang Lang International Music Foundation (LLIMF).

The world-renowned pianist led a performance played by the foundation's young scholars. Golden Globe-winning actor Alec Baldwin hosted the evening event.

Further more, famous tenor Roberto Alagna, 12-time Grammy Award nominee Ledisi, and three-time Grammy Award winner Wyclef Jean made performances in the night.

Founded in 2008 by Lang Lang, the LLIMF strives to educate, inspire, and motivate the next generation of music lovers and performers in both the United States and China.

Within 10 years, the foundation has benefited children across the world through various music education programs such as Keys of Inspiration (KOI), 101 Pianists, Young Scholars and Play It Forward.