La Musica International Chamber Music Festival releases second “La Musica at Home” Documentary Featuring Celebrated Pianist Derek Han

December 11, 2020 – Sarasota

La Musica International Chamber Music Festival has released “La Musica at Home: Derek Han,” the second film in its monthly series of documentaries exploring the personal lives, musical passions and performances of its renowned musicians. The documentaries are available through multiple online platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and La Musica’s website, LaMusicaFestival.org.

In this episode, Derek Han shares his thoughts on the inner nature of music, as well as some performance pieces. Han is among the leading American pianists of his generation. His elegant, polished and compelling playing has dazzled audiences across six continents. Though he was originally identified with the concertos of Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven, he possesses a vast repertory that includes the concertos of Mendelssohn, Chopin and MacDowell, as well as individual concertos by Rachmaninov, Tchaikovsky and Shostakovich. Han’s style is straightforward in its lucid tones, spirited character, and technical fluidity and accuracy.

The premiere episode offered viewers a peek into the world of orchestral bassist Dee Moses through performances and candid reflections on his life, work, and collaboration with his dancer/choreographer wife Elsa Valbuena.

Subsequent episodes will feature young piano virtuoso and Yamaha artist Steven Lin, with a special look at the custom piano work of Justin Elliott, who created the purple piano for what was to be Prince’s final tour in 2016; and Ann Hobson Pilot, former principal harpist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, in collaboration with Sarasota Contemporary Dance.

The documentaries are produced in partnership with Harbour Productions, Harold J. Bott, executive producer and musical director; and Mark of Man Films. Award-winning artist/filmmakers Shawn Convey and Alexander Berne co-direct, with sound engineering by Gary Baldassari. “La Musica at Home: Derek Han” is sponsored by Renee Hamad.

La Musica board member Jerry H. Bilik, who developed the “at Home” concept with fellow board member John Moffitt, stated, “Through these masterfully produced documentary films, we have accomplished what we set out to do: show the quality and uniqueness of La Musica.”

To learn more about La Musica and “La Musica at Home,” visit LaMusicaFestival.org. La Musica will present its 35th concert season in April 2021; tickets go on sale in February.