Former music student awarded

Indiana University alumni and former IU School of Music pianist, Winston Choi, recently received first place at the Orleans Concours International Competition in Orleans, France. His awards for this prestigious achievement include concerto and recital showings in France, Spain, Argentina and Bulgaria. He also signed recording contracts with Harmonia Mundi and Quadro Frame recording labels for which he will be recording the complete solo works of Elliott Carter and a CD in the series, "Yearbooks of Twentieth Century" respectively. \n"It was an extremely gratifying experience," Choi said of his winning performance of a Prokofiev concerto. "I feel very fortunate that my work can be recognized and rewarded. It's very encouraging and helps me to tackle (my) next projects with even more confidence."\nChoi has been playing the piano since the age of six, and through his many years of playing, he has developed an appreciation for self-discovery.\n"I think that it's not just about the number of hours in front of the piano, it's about developing musical confidence so that you believe in what you do with the utmost conviction," he said. "If this self-confidence is there with a simple, yet solid link between mind and body, ambitions and dreams can become more of a reality."\nDoctoral student in Composition in the IU School of Music and former classmate of Choi, Justin Merritt, applauds the pianist's accomplishments.\n"Winston had the most amazing piano technique I'd ever seen in my life," Merritt said. "He could play better on sight than most people could with a month of practice."\nChoi's musical studies began in Toronto, and it was there at the age of 12 that he received his performance diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music of Toronto. He was among the youngest to graduate from the Young Performer's Program.\nThe pianist's long list of accomplishments includes an invitation by the Ministry of Culture of China to perform a sequence of recitals in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong. Choi has also been a featured soloist with the North York Symphony Orchestra, the North Toronto Collegiate Institute Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Conservatory of Music Symphony Orchestra, the Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra and the Indiana University Concert Orchestra.\nHis educational experience at IU has left a lasting impression not only on himself, but on Meneham Pressler as well. Pressler, professor of music and one of Choi's former instructors, said the young pianist's accomplishments come from hard work and dedication.\n"He's always consistent and eager to learn," Pressler said. "I always had high expectations for him. In today's music business, one has to find one's niche. He has the required stamina to stay the course."\nChoi holds Pressler in an equally high regard.\n"Menahem Pressler helped me to develop and identify my musical ideals and principles. He also inspired me to embrace music with a great deal of passion … IU provided a very nurturing environment for me that allowed me plenty of room for growth and reflection."\nDespite Choi's absence at IU, Merritt still looks up to him.\n"He was the best … he is very much missed around here," he said.\nChoi received both his Master's and Bachelor Degrees at IU. He is now studying at Northwestern University and is pursuing a one-year Certificate in Performance.