Tonight’s performance has been made possible by the generosity of a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.

Due to performance-related injury, Benjamin Hochman will be unable to perform this June. Pianist Winston Choi has generously agreed to step in. We wish Benjamin a speedy recovery. We look forward to a return engagement once he heals.

The Chicago Tribune had this to say about Winston Choi: “There doesn’t appear to be anything Choi can’t play — and with virtuosic panache to boot.” I think that sums it up pretty well. Winston is the winner of several prestigious international competitions including the 2002 Orléans Concours International and the 2003 Honens International Piano Competition.

But more importantly, Winston was the inspiration for the Festival’s Portrait of an Artist Series.

It all began in Boston at the exclusive St. Botolph Club. Several musicians, Winston among them, were relaxing following a delicious meal. Before long, someone noticed the grand piano across the room. It was suggested that Winston play through some of his repertoire for an upcoming recital. After a few beautifully rendered selections, musicians began calling out requests. Winston gamely played through a staggering amount of repertoire that night, and we all felt that we knew him better for it.

Tonight’s recital will be moderated by Festival Founder and Artistic Director, Timothy Christie. Tickets are extremely limited for this special event.

ANNOUNCED FROM THE STAGE

Partita No. 1 in B Flat, Bach

6 Bagatelles, Op. 126, Beethoven

Prelude in D-Flat, Op. 28, No. 15, “Raindrop,” Chopin

Variations on a Theme of Handel, Brahms

Fugue, Bach (Encore)

Artist: Winston Choi, piano.