New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Coinciding with the unveiling of the library's $21 million renovation, Chiu was recognized as an individual whose work reflects the purpose of the library - to nurture the love of learning and to enhance our understanding of the world.
Frederic Chiu accompanying himself at the BOOKED for the evening event at the Westport Library. (Photo Credit:
Pamela Einarsen): "To say I am honored to have been recognized at the BOOKED for the evening event is an understatement. Using my art in new and innovative ways to bring a community together is both humbling and inspiring," said Yamaha Artist, Frederic Chiu.
World-renowned pianist and Yamaha Artist Frederic Chiu dazzled attendees of the 21st annual BOOKED for the evening event held on June 4 at the Westport Library. Coinciding with the unveiling of the library's $21 million renovation that surreally transformed the building without adding to its size, Chiu was recognized as an individual whose work reflects the purpose of the library — to nurture the love of learning and to enhance our understanding of the world.
Performing on a Yamaha Disklavier reproducing piano, the most technologically advanced piano in the world, Chiu began the evening with an adaptation of Sergei Prokofiev's "Romeo & Juliet." Chiu was then accompanied by his protégé and fellow Yamaha Artist, Timo Andres, who performed on a similarly-equipped Disklavier dovetailed with Chiu's piano. Together, they played the third movement of Phillip Glass' "Four Movements for Two Pianos."
The real magic of the Disklavier was on display for Chiu's final act, Rondo in C major for two pianos by Frédéric Chopin. By this time, Andres had exited the stage leaving Chiu all alone to perform a piece that requires two pianists. But Chiu took advantage of the powerful technological capabilities of the Yamaha Disklavier. Disklavier pianos are capable of recording an actual piano performance, and then playing it back, note-for-note, with all the sensitivity and nuance of the original performance. In this case, Chiu was able to accompany himself, one half of the piano accompaniment recorded weeks earlier on another Disklavier and synched to the second piano on stage — along with video of Frederic's previous performance projected to a big screen located behind Chiu — the other half performed live by Chiu.
"To say I am honored to have been recognized at the BOOKED for the evening event is an understatement," said Chiu. "Using my art in new and innovative ways to bring a community together is both humbling and inspiring."
Being the signature fundraising event of the year for the Westport Library, BOOKED for the evening has previously honored such luminaries as Tom Brokaw, Ron Chernow,
Martin Scorsese, Doris Kearns Goodwin and many, many more.
"This event was two years in the making and it has been amazing to see the community bond together to transform this building into a dynamic, multi-functional gathering space," said Bill Harmer, executive director of the Westport Library. "It was a no-brainer for us to honor Frederic, as his passion encourages us all to share the joy of creativity."
The Disklavier piano, which was acquired from Faust Harrison Pianos of Fairfield, Connecticut, was donated as a generous gift to the library from Stacy Bass and
David Waldman in loving memory of their mother.
Chiu is also slated to give an encore special guest performance on the Disklavier on Sunday, June 23 for the grand re-opening of the transformed Westport Library. For more details, please visit https://westportlibrary.org/.
For more information on Yamaha Disklavier pianos, please visit https://yamaha.io/2QQ6Bgx.
