The "Sundays at 2" recital series at Hope College will feature award-winning pianist
Winston Choi on Sunday, Oct. 30, at 2 p.m. in Dimnent Memorial Chapel.
The public is invited. Admission is free.
Choi will perform J.S. Bach's "The Art of Fugue." The work, which takes about an hour
and 15 minutes to perform, was written at the end of Bach's lifetime and is described
by series coordinator Adam Clark as a capstone of compositional perfection. The work
will be presented in four parts, with commentary provided by Choi on its origins and
attributes throughout.
"Rarely heard in its entirety, this monumental performance will be a true treat for
music-loving audiences of West Michigan," said Clark, who is an assistant professor
of music at Hope. "Mr. Choi's engaging personality, insightful commentary, and phenomenal
performing ability will make this an unforgettable and inspiring afternoon not to
be missed."
Winner of the 2002 Orléans Concours International and Laureate of the 2003 Honens
International Piano Competition, Canadian pianist Choi maintains an active international
performing schedule. In demand as a concerto soloist, he has appeared with l'Orchestre
National de Lille, l'Orchestre Symphonique d'Orléans, the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
and the Victoria Symphony Orchestra, among others.
Known for his colorful approach to programming and insightful commentary from the
stage, Choi has recently appeared in recital at the National Arts Centre of Canada,
the Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto, and New York's Carnegie-Weill Recital Hall. Choi
performs extensively in France, having played venues such as the Salle Cortot. Frequently
in demand throughout his native Canada, he has been awarded numerous grants from the
Canada Council for the Arts. His performances can often be heard on CBC radio broadcasts.
As a composer himself, Choi has also premiered and commissioned more than 100 works
by young composers as well as established masters. He is also a core member of the
new music ensemble, Brave New Works.
Choi began his studies in Toronto with James Tweedie and Vivienne Bailey. He obtained
both his bachelor's and master's degrees at Indiana University, receiving the Performer's
Certificate studying with Menahem Pressler. Further studies were with Ursula Oppens
at Northwestern University, where he completed his Doctorate of Music. An accomplished
teacher, he is also in demand as a master class clinician. Previously on the faculties
of Bowling Green State University and the Oberlin Conservatory, he is assistant professor
and head of piano at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.
Dimnent Memorial Chapel is located at 277 College Ave., on College Avenue at 12th
Street.