Editor's pick: Piano concert

Piano prodigy at Grey Towers

Sat., July 16 and Sun., July 6 at Grey Towers National Historic Site in

Milford, PA. 570/296-9669.

Pianist Alpin Hong, who has been hailed for the “stunning virtuosity, artistic vision and irreverent style,” of his performances, will be in concert 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24 at .Grey Towers National Historic Site.

Hong’s Carnegie Hall debut garnered tremendous praise from New York Times critic Allan Kozinn, who cited his performance for its “crystalline energy,” “clear and persuasive ideas” and “remarkable breadth and coloration.” A rendition of Luciano Berio’s Points on the Curve to Find at the 2001 Focus! Festival in New York won him another New York Times mention: “It’s like some crazed piano concerto, and Alpin Hong excitingly dispatched the fiendish solo part, replete with oscillating tremolos that made his arms a blur.”

In 2001 Hong became the first pianist in eight years to win the highest honor at the Concert Artists Guild International Competition and was the recipient of four additional performance prizes, including his New York debut at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, solo appearances with the Indian Hill Symphony, Orchestra X and at Market Square Concerts.

The Alpin Hong concerts, sponsored by Milford resident and long-time supporter of Grey Towers Barbara J. Buchanan, are the third offering of the 2005 Kindred Spirits Concert and Lecture Series. The series is part of the U.S. Forest Service Conservation and Arts program at Grey Towers, offered in partnership with the Pinchot Institute.

Tickets cost $20 and are available at Grey Towers, Hare Hollow and Trading Closets.