Li Jian returned to Carnegie Hall for an incredible evening of music in which he played Mozart, Debussy and Schubert.

The acclaimed Chinese American pianist and conductor also was honored for his contributions to classical music and global cultural exchange.

The concert in New York City on Tuesday, titled a "Night of Cultural Splendor," was held in Zankel Hall and was sponsored by the Gong Family Foundation and the US-China Cultural Foundation.

Elizabeth B. Wang, co-founder and president of the US-China Cultural Foundation thanked sponsors ahead of the concert.

Co-sponsor Tim Gong, chairman of the Gong Family Foundation, described Li as his "dear friend" and an artist "whose dedication and passion for music have inspired audiences worldwide".

In recognition of his artistry, Li was honored with the US-China Cultural Foundation's Global Cultural Excellence Award, presented by Gong, Wang and Jun Wei, director of the foundation.

On behalf of New York City, John Catsimatidis, businessman and chairman of the Red Apple Group, shared a letter of congratulations from Mayor Eric Adams, who wrote that Li had "enriched the classical music sector for decades".

The mayor added that "the universal language of music crosses cultures and borders, uniting people of all backgrounds, including members of our thriving Asian American community".