Even though Alpin Hong is a classically trained pianist, he believes classical music has more than one dimension.
"I think the genre-fication of music has really distorted what music actually is," Hong said on his website. Music cannot be placed into any one category, classical can be rock, jazz can be pop.
Hong is touring the United States and will make a stop at Ball State tonight when he performs at Sursa Hall at 7:30 p.m.
"Alpin Hong is a young, vibrant and energetic force when it comes to playing the piano," Darcy Wood, associate director of John R. Emens Auditorium, said.
Hong was born in Michigan and made his orchestral debut at age ten.
He then moved to Los Angeles where he won many awards for his captivating performances, according to his website.
He completed his Master's degree at The Julliard School and has released two solo albums. His first was a self-titled album which included the compositions of Brahms, Debussy, Scarlatti and Stravinsky, and the second was titled Friend Taskmaster Teacher.
Hong plays anything from classical to video game theme songs.
The site also states Hong's evolving performance style and ability to connect with an audience of any background, experience or age distinguishes him from other performers.
"Students will be able to relate to him and the humor he incorporates into his performance," Wood said.
Robert Myers, director of Emens Auditorium, said he was impressed with Hong's enthusiastic performance when he saw him in St. Paul, Minn.
Myerssaid Hong was a good choice because of Emens Auditorium's focus on the piano as a concert instrument in many genres this season.
"Alpin Hong was selected because he represented a classical style and he is a superb and inspired performer," Myers said.
It should appeal to anyone who appreciates piano and the talent it takes to play classical music with the skill that Alpin Hong exhibits and said some Ball State music appreciation students will have the opportunity to meet Alpin Hong at a pre-show talk, Wood said.
Robert Palmer, professor of music, said he will attend Hong's performance and all of his piano majors should as well.
"Alpin [Hong] is a rising star in the musical world and this is obviously a wonderful opportunity for those of us in central Indiana to hear him perform," he said.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
