Event

THE BYRON JANIS STORY

In Person: BYRON JANIS Mr. Janis will play a Chopin waltz, and selections from his
musical The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Piano courtesy of Steinway & Sons
Members $14
Public $19
Incl. Reception
A child prodigy, Byron Janis' musical abilities could inspire wonder. His tutelage under the great Vladimir
Horowitz led him to triumphant concerts. His mastery of Prokofiev and Rachmaninov could lift the chill
from even cold-war era Soviets. His incomparable dexterity was even more miraculous when we realize the
intense pain he endured. For over 30 years he bore crippling arthritis, but his desire to perform and to perfect
his music would not cripple his spirit. Undergoing repeated surgeries, employing stronger and stronger
medications with their benefits quickly diminishing, Janis would ultimately rely on a superhuman resolve to
perform through his pain and through his pain become one with the power of his music. Thom Hoffman
USA, 2010, 56 min., color, DigiBeta Director: Peter Rosen / Program curated by Dr. Jud Newborn