A Lecture Concert
This program features several theme and variations sets, including Desperate Measures by Robert Muczynski and Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky.
Whirlwind American tours and performances across the globe have earned pianist Alpin Hong the reputation as a modern day Pied Piper. From Walt Disney Hall to the White House, his combination of stunning technique, emotional range, and rare humor continues to bring audiences young and old to their feet. Rooted in extensive classical training and a background in extreme sports, martial arts, and video games, Mr. Hong is a creative force unmatched in his vitality and charisma. The New York Times called him a pianistic firebrand in a review of his standing-room only New York recital debut at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall. The Idaho Statesman said, “Hong cut a magnetic physical presence and charmed the audience with engaging, powerful movements that were fun to watch. Throughout the piece he and the orchestra showed a wonderful give and take.” The Santa Barbara News Press hailed him as “a tour de force. Mr. Hong evoked a kind of Beatlemania when he came on stage. What a showman! What a musician!” His ability to captivate young audiences prompted the Ocala Star-Banner to call him “Classical for the iGeneration”.
Alpin Hong is a native of Michigan and made his orchestral debut with the Kalamazoo Symphony at the age of ten. He moved to Los Angeles soon after and garnered competition victories at a young age with wins at the 1989 Stravinsky Piano Competition, the 1993 Southern Youth Music Festival Competition and the 1994 Los Angeles Spotlight Awards Competition. He was the winner of the Concert Artists Guild Competition in 2001. His teachers include Mark Richman and Emilio del Rosario. He completed his Master’s degree as a student of Jerome Lowenthal at The Juilliard School.
“Mr. Hong kept the voltage consistently high… His ideas about the works at hand were clear and persuasive.” —New York Times
