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Composer  

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Canada

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Winston Choi is a renowned classical pianist who has made a name for himself in the world of music. Born in Hong Kong in 1970, Choi grew up in Canada and began playing the piano at a young age. He showed a natural talent for the instrument and quickly became recognized as a prodigy. Choi's early musical education was shaped by his studies with renowned pianists such as Marc Durand and Menahem Pressler. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Music degree from Indiana University and a Master of Music degree from the Juilliard School. He also holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Northwestern University. Throughout his career, Choi has been recognized for his exceptional talent and has received numerous awards and accolades. In 1994, he won the prestigious Honens International Piano Competition, which launched his career as a soloist. He has also been a finalist in other major competitions, including the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and the Leeds International Piano Competition. Choi has performed with some of the world's leading orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. He has also given recitals in major concert halls around the world, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Berlin Philharmonic. One of Choi's most notable performances was his 2010 debut with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, where he performed the world premiere of Augusta Read Thomas's "Astral Canticle." The performance was highly acclaimed, and Choi was praised for his technical skill and musicality. In addition to his work as a soloist, Choi is also an accomplished chamber musician. He has collaborated with many renowned musicians, including violinist Rachel Barton Pine and cellist Yo-Yo Ma. He is a member of the Civitas Ensemble, a Chicago-based chamber group that performs a wide range of classical and contemporary music. Choi is also a dedicated educator and has taught at several prestigious institutions, including the University of British Columbia, Roosevelt University, and the Chicago College of Performing Arts. He is currently a professor of piano at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Throughout his career, Choi has been recognized for his commitment to contemporary music. He has premiered numerous works by contemporary composers and has recorded several albums of contemporary piano music. He is particularly known for his interpretations of the music of György Ligeti, and his recording of Ligeti's complete piano music was highly acclaimed. Choi's recordings have received critical acclaim and have won several awards, including the Diapason d'Or and the Preis der Deutschen Schallplattenkritik. He has recorded for several major labels, including Naxos, Cedille Records, and Bridge Records. In addition to his work as a performer and educator, Choi is also a dedicated advocate for social justice and human rights. He has been involved in several initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion in the arts, and he has worked with organizations such as the Chicago Sinfonietta and the Sphinx Organization. Overall, Winston Choi is a highly accomplished and respected classical pianist who has made significant contributions to the world of music. His technical skill, musicality, and commitment to contemporary music have earned him a place among the world's leading pianists.

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