Once again, the good folks at the Philharmonic Society of Orange County have invited me to do a pre-concert lecture, this time for tonight’s recital by pianist Seong-Jin Cho at the Soka Performing Arts Center.

The 28-year old Seoul native first gained worldwide attention by winning Third Prize at the 2011 Tchaikovsky International Competition (the same year Daniil Trifonov was the Grand Prix winner), and he cranked things up a few notches by winning First Prize at the XVII International Chopin Piano Competition in 2015. That led to a coveted exclusive recording contract with Deutsche Grammophon, and he has been touring the globe ever since.

Mr. Cho’s program tonight includes:

• HÄNDEL:  Suite No. 2 in F major, HWV 427
• HÄNDEL:  Suite No. 8 in F minor, HWV 433
• BRAHMS:  Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24
• BRAHMS:  Klavierstücke, Op. 76 (mvts 1,2,4,5)
• SCHUMANN: Symphonic Etudes, Op. 13

Hope to see you tonight! Even though the concert is officially “Sold Out,” scattered seats sometime pop up last minute so check here if you haven’t already secured your tickets.

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Photo credit: Christoph Köstlin, courtesy of Deutsche Grammophon