“Happy Birthday Chopin!” Piano Recital by Justin Wong

Frédéric François Chopin (1 March 1810 – 17 October 1849), was the composer of some of the most challenging and subjective music in the whole of the keyboard repertoire. Born in Poland and living most of his adult life in France, he started composing at the age of 7. He gave only 30 performances in his short 39-year life span, mainly in intimate salons of high society. His music ranged from patriotic, melancholy, passionate to simple and beautiful, bringing new life to Classical music in the 19th century. He was also known as a great teacher of piano.

Programme
On the anniversary of Chopin's birthday, Justin Wong will give a brief introduction about Chopin's life and works, and why he remains one of the most performed composers for pianists up until today. This will be followed by a recital of a selection of Chopin's piano pieces, as well as some pieces inspired by him.

Performer
Justin Wong is a popular pianist now based in Hong Kong who has performed to international acclaim. After winning multiple first prizes and a music scholarship to attend Winchester College, his piano performance training brought him to the Peabody Conservatory where he was mentored by Marian Hahn and Dr. Ernest Berretta. He has been greatly praised in masterclasses with V. Ashkenazy, Leon Fleisher and Emmanuel Ax, among others.

Justin is also a graduate of HKU in Law, but has chosen to dedicate wholeheartedly his time to his music profession. He is the Principal Organist for the Chinese services at St. John's Cathedral in Hong Kong. He has played in many cathedrals and churches throughout the world, on pipe organs, not just in liturgical performances, but also for special occasions like weddings, memorials and inaugurations. He has collaborated with many young talented musicians and artists, appearing in numerous solo performances in the US, UK and Hong Kong.

Featured on RTHK4 last year, Justin is highly regarded as a soloist, an accompanist and as a teacher. He takes pride in his students winning distinctions and music scholarships to top boarding schools every year. In addition to teaching masterclasses, he enjoys composing music.