Winston Choi Brings Art of the Fugue to HSU

Pianist Winston Choi brings a rare solo piano performance of selections from Bach’s The Art of the Fugue to the Humboldt State campus on Saturday February 2.

 “It is not often that we hear this colossal work played in this way,” said Daniela Mineva, head of the HSU piano program. “We are extremely excited to have Dr. Choi with us. His absolutely amazing performing abilities will make this one of the most memorable guest artist concerts in this season.”

 Dr. Winston Choi is a prize-winning pianist whose recent performances include recitals at the Kennedy Center in Washington, the Carnegie-Weill Recital Hall in New York and the Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto. He is known for his insightful commentary from the stage.

 Himself a composer, Choi has premiered and commissioned over 100 works by young composers. At HSU he will perform “15,” a piece for piano that Canadian composer Howard Bashaw wrote in 2012.

 Also on the program is Metopes, three poems for piano by 20th century Polish composer Karol Szymanowski, which Choi recorded in 2011. Each poem corresponds to a section of Homer’s Odyssey: The Siren’s Island, Calypso and Nausikaa.

 Bach’s The Art of the Fugue is not often played on solo piano. Famed pianist and Bach interpreter Glenn Gould is among those who called it the culmination of Bach’s achievement. He noted its scope, scale and technical wizardly but added, “There are moments in The Art of the Fugue that are much more valuable than its virtuosity—moments that for me surpass everything else that Bach wrote.”

 Dr. Choi is currently head of the piano program at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. In addition to his public concert, he gives a master class in Fulkerson Recital Hall at 12 noon on February 1, which is free and open to the public.

 Pianist Winston Choi performs on Saturday, February 2 at 8 p.m. in the Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus in Arcata. Tickets are $8/$3 students and seniors from the HSU Ticket Office (826-3928) or at the door. A Guest Artist Concert produced by the HSU Music Department. 

Media: Tri-City Weekly, Humboldt State Now