Chinese piano superstar Lang Lang played a concerto of "New Shanghai", the theme music of the Shanghai World Expo, in the opening ceremony Friday evening.

Chinese world famous pianist Lang Lang plays concerto "New Shanghai" during the performance of opening ceremony for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo at the Expo Cultural Center in Shanghai, east China, April 30, 2010. [Xinhua photo]

Against the backdrop of black and white piano keys, Lang Lang gave a passionate performance of the concerto, which incorporated familiar tunes of "The Song of the Yangtze River", to illustrate the inclusiveness of Shanghai and pay respect to the country's longest river.

During his performance, more than 160 dancers staged a modern ballet with Chinese elements.

Lang Lang, who is the Expo's celebrity ambassador, born in 1982, is known for his keyboard histrionics.