Renowned classical pianist playing in Warkworth

After 15 years making a name for himself overseas, Auckland-born pianist Henry Wong Doe is back in his homeland for a brief three-concert tour that includes a performance in Warkworth on Saturday, August 3.

Currently based in New York, Wong Doe has performed in some of the world’s most prestigious venues, including New York’s Carnegie Hall, St.Martin-in-the-Fields in London, the Mann Auditorium in Tel Aviv and the Sydney Opera House.

He received his early training at the University of Auckland. After moving to the United States, he received a Master’s degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, and a Doctor of Musical Arts from The Juilliard School in New York, studying with Joseph Kalichstein.

A passionate educator as well as performer, Wong Doe is professor of piano and keyboard area chair at Indiana University in Pennsylvania.

New York critics have described his playing as brilliant and gestural, with “great vitality and engaging thrust and characterisation”.

For his Warkworth Music recital, he will perform a programme of new and celebrated works, including Haydn’s Sonata in E minor, Chopin’s Nocturne in D flat major, the Sonata No.1 by Ginastera and Pictures at an Exhibition by Mussorgsky.

Wong Doe will also play NZ composer Gemma Peacocke’s Redshift, one of six new works he commissioned for his latest album, Perspectives, which was nominated for the 2024 Aotearoa Music Awards.

The concert takes place in Warkworth Town Hall at 4pm on Saturday, August 3. Tickets cost $40, or $30 for Warkworth Music members, $10 for tertiary students and school students are free.

Info and bookings: warkworthmusic.org.nz or cash only door sales.