Yamaha Artist Frederic Chiu Honored at Westport Library’s 21st Annual BOOKED for the Evening Event

World-renowned pianist and Yamaha Artist Frederic Chiu dazzled attendees of the 21^st annual BOOKED for the evening event held on June 4 at the Westport Library. Coinciding with the unveiling of the library’s $21 million renovation that surreally transformed the building without adding to its size, Chiu was recognized as an individual whose work reflects the purpose of the library — to nurture the love of learning and to enhance our understanding of the world.

Performing on a Yamaha Disklavier reproducing piano, the most technologically advanced piano in the world, Chiu began the evening with an adaptation of Sergei Prokofiev’s “Romeo & Juliet.” Chiu was then accompanied by his protégé and fellow Yamaha Artist, Timo Andres, who performed on a similarly-equipped Disklavier dovetailed with Chiu’s piano. Together, they played the third movement of Phillip Glass’ “Four Movements for Two Pianos.”

The real magic of the Disklavier was on display for Chiu’s final act, Rondo in C major for two pianos by Frédéric Chopin. By this time, Andres had exited the stage leaving Chiu all alone to perform a piece that requires two pianists. But Chiu took advantage of the powerful technological capabilities of the Yamaha Disklavier. Disklavier pianos are capable of recording an actual piano performance, and then playing it back, note-for-note, with all the sensitivity and nuance of the original performance. In this case, Chiu was able to accompany himself, one half of the piano accompaniment recorded weeks earlier on another Disklavier and synched to the second piano on stage — along with video of Frederic’s previous performance projected to a big screen located behind Chiu — the other half performed live by Chiu. 

“To say I am honored to have been recognized at the BOOKED for the evening event is an understatement,” said Chiu. “Using my art in new and innovative ways to bring a community together is both humbling and inspiring.”

Being the signature fundraising event of the year for the Westport Library, BOOKED for the evening has previously honored such luminaries as Tom Brokaw, Ron Chernow, Martin Scorsese, Doris Kearns Goodwin and many, many more.

“This event was two years in the making and it has been amazing to see the community bond together to transform this building into a dynamic, multi-functional gathering space,” said Bill Harmer, executive director of the Westport Library. “It was a no-brainer for us to honor Frederic, as his passion encourages us all to share the joy of creativity.”

The Disklavier piano, which was acquired from Faust Harrison Pianos of Fairfield, Connecticut, was donated as a generous gift to the library from Stacy Bass and David Waldman in loving memory of their mother.

Chiu is also slated to give an encore special guest performance on the Disklavier on Sunday, June 23 for the grand re-opening of the transformed Westport Library. For more details, please visit http://westportlibrary.org/.

For more information on Yamaha Disklavier pianos, please visit https://yamaha.io/2QQ6Bgx.

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About the Westport Library

Since 1886, the Library has been devoted to enriching the intellectual and creative lives of the community. The Library is a warm and welcoming destination where individuals read and research, shop the store, meet friends at the Library Café or simply enjoy the camaraderie of being in a shared space. There’s never been more to learn or more to discover. The Westport Library earned “Five-Star Library” status in 2013 and 2015, 2016 and 2017 from Library Journal, the nation’s premier publication for libraries. Only 1% percent of public libraries nationally earned 5 stars.

About Yamaha

Yamaha Corporation of America (YCA) is one of the largest subsidiaries of Yamaha Corporation, Japan and offers a full line of award-winning musical instruments, sound reinforcement, commercial installation and home entertainment products to the U.S. market. Products include: Yamaha acoustic, digital and hybrid pianos, portable keyboards, guitars, acoustic and electronic drums, band and orchestral instruments, marching percussion products, synthesizers, professional digital and analog audio equipment, Steinberg recording products and NEXO commercial audio products, as well as AV receivers, amplifiers, MusicCast wireless multi-room audio systems, Blu-ray/CD players, earphones, headphones, home-theater-in-a-box systems, sound bars and its exclusive line of Digital Sound Projectors. YCA markets innovative, finely crafted technology and entertainment products and musical instruments targeted to the hobbyist, education, worship, music, professional audio installation and consumer markets.

Contact:         Peter Giles/Giles Communications

                     (914) 644-3500 ext. 700 (pgiles@giles.com)