Alpin Hong at The Grand

Alpin Hong, called a “pianistic firebrand” by former New York Times music critic Allan Kozinn, performed at The Grand Theater on Thursday April, 14. American tours and performances across the globe have earned Alpin Hong the reputation as a modern day Pied Piper. From the Walt Disney Hall to the White House, his combination of stunning technique, emotional range, and rare humor continues to bring audiences young and old to their feet.

Rooted in extensive classical training and a background in extreme sports, martial arts, and video games, Mr. Hong is a creative force unmatched in his vitality and charisma. Called “Classical for the iGeneration,” Hong’s New York City debut played to rave reviews.


 

His performance at the theater was the ending of a multi-day residency:

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Tuesday –

Beginning the week with a City Wide Choral Concert, over 200 middle school students from the DC Everest, Newman, and Wausau school districts came together to learn the value of working together to produce a city wide concert.  Included in the full day rehearsal students created an art project led by the Center for the Visual Arts, learned the value of musicianship and evoking emotion from Alpin Hong, and even had the unique opportunity to perform with Alpin for an audience of almost 800.

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Wednesday –

The next day brought a luncheon with the artist, with a collection of donors and sponsors that had the opportunity to meet Alpin, share their experiences in the arts, learn more about the artist, and hear a little preview prior to the performance.   The day then ended with an interactive Gamer’s Lounge.  With help from local game shop Jonny Cee’s and Gaming Enthusiast Joshua Jager, community members of all ages came to game in the Great Hall and learn more about the musical connection in video game and movie scores.  This family fun evening included themed mocktails, board games, 11 different video game stations, and the opportunity to play video games with Professional Pianist, Alpin Hong.

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Thursday –

Alpin visited 8th grade students from DC Everest Junior High Orchestra to motivate, reinvigorate, and inspire them for their year end concert.  Students then learned the importance of playing with confidence and playing to evoke emotion from the Julliard Graduate.  That afternoon, community members took the opportunity to come relax with a beginner’s yoga class in the historic Grand Theater. Taught by Monica Preisig, the class featured the music of Alpin Hong. It also gave Alpin the chance to refocus prior to his performance as he joined the class!

The night closed with Alpin’s performance at the Grand Theater, bringing the audience to a standing ovation.  In just these three days, Alpin touched the lives of over 1,500; spreading his talent and love of music with the community.

 

 

This wouldn’t be possible without The Grand’s overwhelming community support!  The arts play such an important role in our community; and thanks to your support, The Grand is able to better serve our community through enhancing our programming to include these outreach programs, such as artist residencies, that better enrich the lives of the entire region.

Support the Grand Theater today, click here to donate.

 

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