Yoahn John Kwon | Frédéric Chopin: The Poet of the Piano

The acclaimed concert pianist Yoahn John Kwon will perform late masterpieces by Frédéric Chopin, including the Waltz, Impromptu, Sonata, Barcarolle, Mazurka, and Ballade.

This concert is made possible through the generosity of the artist's friends and supporters.

PROGRAM

Waltz in C# minor, Op. 64, No.2

Impromptu No.2 in F # Major, Op. 36

Ballade No.3 in A flat Major, Op.47

Fantasie-Impromptu in C# minor, Op. 66

Barcarolle in F # Major, Op.60

Ballade No.1 in G minor, Op. 23

Mazurka in F minor, Op. 68, No. 4

Sonata No.3 in B minor, Op. 58

Pianist Yoahn John Kwon began his musical journey at the age of nine, quickly demonstrating exceptional talent. He first studied at the Pre-College Division of The Juilliard School before earning both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree from Mannes College of Music, where he studied with Diane Walsh and Carl Schachter. 

During his formative years, pianist Jacob Krichaf, a disciple of the great pianist Claudio Arrau, guided him. He also received mentorship and lessons from renowned musicians such as Anton Kuerti, Jacques Rouvier, and John O'Conor.

Mr. Kwon later pursued a perfectionnement program (professional development program) at L’école Normale de Musique de Paris with Anne Queffelec for four consecutive years.

A native of South Korea, Mr. Kwon has received widespread acclaim for his profound musicianship, sensitivity, and insightful performances. The respected critic Harris Goldsmith described him as a "versatile and interesting musician who captures audiences' attention from beginning to end."

As a soloist, recitalist, and chamber pianist, Mr. Kwon has performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls across Europe, Asia, and North America. He frequently collaborates with members of renowned orchestras, including New York, Seoul, Tokyo, London, Dresden and many others in chamber music concert series. 

As a prolific recording artist, he is well regarded for his acclaimed CDs with Sony Classical and the Audioguy label, especially his interpretations of Chopin and Beethoven.

In addition to his concert career, Mr. Kwon is a sought-after teacher, helping prospective students from South Korea. His recent private students have gained admission to several top conservatories and universities worldwide, including the Manhattan School of Music, Mannes College of Music, the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University, Indiana University in Bloomington, Oberlin College, the Cleveland Institute of Music, the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, Northwestern University, USC's Thornton School of Music, L'École Normale de Musique de Paris, HMDK Stuttgart, Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin, and the MMA Program at Yale University.

Now based in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, Mr. Kwon contributes to the music community in various roles, including concert piano technician (as a graduate of the prestigious Renner Academy), church organist, and chamber music coach. He also serves on the piano faculty at Beloit College in Wisconsin, where he guides the next generation of artists.