Tuesday, February 02, 2010

The University of North Carolina Wilmington's Office of Cultural Arts continues its Masters Series with Chopin200, a performance commemorating the bicentennial of the birth of Frédéric Chopin, one of the world's most remarkable and beloved composers. The performance will be held at 8 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 23 at UNCW's Kenan Auditorium.

The evening will feature a selection of Chopin masterworks performed by pianist Norman Bemelmans, whose virtuosic interpretations of Chopin's music have garnered superlative international acclaim. More information on Chopin200, including the program selections, is available online at http://uncw.edu/arts/chopin200.html.

Aloof, reserved and uncomfortable in public, Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849) endowed his music with a powerful artistic vision that effortlessly encompassed the most subtly nuanced and the most heroically epic. His unparalleled mastery of keyboard virtuosity, color and effect has endeared him to all pianists; his innate nobility of expression has endeared him to all artists; and his passionate and musically fervent devotion to his native Poland subjected to political oppression has endeared him to all humanity.

In this rare all-Chopin performance, Bemelmans reveals the power, passion and virtuosity behind this great and unique master. An active recitalist in both the United States and Europe, Bemelmans' interpretations of the works of Franz Liszt and Frédéric Chopin have received enthusiastic critical acclaim. German publication Neue Zeitung proclaimed, "Chopin of the highest order . . . The familiar music emerged under Bemelmans' hands as a revelation . . . We are not accustomed to hearing Chopin performed with such grandeur."

"Chopin's music is unique," said pianist Bemelmans. "Beautifully conceived for the piano's ability to create innumerable shades of color, and ranging with such passion from the profound to the ethereal. The program selected captures the essence and variety of the composer whose bicentennial the entire musical world celebrates this year with such affection and appreciation."

The UNCW Office of Cultural Arts presents Chopin200 at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010 at UNCW's Kenan Auditorium. Tickets are $24 (General Public); $20 (UNCW Faculty/Staff); and $6 (UNCW Students with valid ID). Current subscribers of Wilmington Symphony Orchestra, Wilmington Concert Association and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute receive one free ticket with the purchase of a regular admission ticket (limit one per household). For tickets and information call the Kenan Auditorium Box Office Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 910.962.3500 or 800.732.3643 or visit www.uncw.edu/arts.

Media contact:
Courtney Reilly, UNCW Office of Cultural Arts, reillyce@uncw.edu or 910.962.2082