By James Lomuscio
At tonight’s 21st annual BOOKED for the Evening event, honoree Frederic Chiu had to share the spotlight with an atypical co-star, the Westport Library itself.
Honoree Frederic Chiu accompanies himself on video during tonight’s performance. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
The award bestowed on Chiu, a Westporter and internationally renowned classical pianist, coincided with the unveiling of the library’s $21 million renovation that surreally transformed the building without adding to its size.
Not only is the list of changes to the building long. Many of the more than 400 in attendance for the annual major fundraiser said they felt they were in an entirely different, and yes, greater place, albeit in the same structure.
Among the changes: a new entrance from Jesup Green; expansive windows offering views of the Saugatuck River and Jesup Green; nine conference rooms and seven meeting rooms; vaulted ceilings; a production suite; an audio studio; and the first floor auditorium, the Christian J. Trefz Forum, named for the revamped library’s biggest benefactor.
Having to share the spotlight seemed the perfect venue for Chiu, who, according to his wife Jeanine Esposito, eschews being the center of attention. She said he is more interested in music, the creative process and sharing it.
“That’s why the honoree is such an ideal one for the new library,” Bill Harmer, the library’s executive director said during the opening reception. “He’s from Westport, and Frederic embodies what we’re trying to do in the library, respect for tradition and to future proof the library as well.”
Chiu, an Ithaca, New York native born to Chinese immigrant parents, moved to Westport in 2001, he said. The Julliard School graduate added that he had his career jump started in town, competing and winning a Performers of Connecticut piano competition in 1986.
“I discovered Westport and Fairfield County, and I said, ‘This is great,’” Chiu said.
But he took a circuitous route settling in town, spending 12 years in France, studying and playing in international piano competitions and launching a recording career.
“I came back and made Westport my home,” he said.
Chiu’s passion for the keyboard and his “unfettered creativity, as Harmer put it, was underscored by the pianist’s comment that “body, mind and heart are all developed when you play the piano.”
Creativity was the catchword tonight as Chiu played “Romeo & Juliet — The Choice,” an adaptation for solo piano of Sergei Prokofiev’s ballet, a work in which one can choose an ending to the Shakespeare’s iconic, tragic love story.
Each member of the audience had texted his or her preferred ending to the ballet, not knowing the consensus of whether it would end tragically or happily ever after.
The audience waited for the ending performed by Marlon Grigsby and Harlee Trautman. And at the finale, the eagerly awaiting viewers clapped as Chiu played a joyous piece as Juliet awoke, Romeo put down his blade, and they embraced.
Another surprise was when Chiu accompanied himself to a Frederic Chopin piece, playing on the Yamaha concert grand piano opposite what he had prerecorded on another Yamaha player piano on stage.
“I’m going to play with myself,” Chiu quipped during the opening reception. “We’re going to show off the stage, the new piano and the library.”
And that he did throughout the evening.
Harmer, when he presented Chiu with the BOOKED for the Evening award, lauded the pianist for his passion “to share the joy of creativity.”
“It’s safe to say you inspire us,” Harmer said.
The library’s transformation, too, was praised by attendees, many crediting New York City architect Henry Myerberg for his creative vision.
“It’s the most exciting thing to happen in Westport for a decade or two or three,” said celebrated town artist Miggs Burroughs.
“The genius of it is the way the space has been reallocated without expanding the existing building,” said Lawrence Weisman, attorney and longtime town resident. “I think it’s really terrific.”
Westport artist Nina Bentley agreed.
“That’s the amazing thing, that the footprint didn’t expand,” she said.
“We’ve been waiting a long time for this to happen,” said Westporter Julie Belaga, “and it’s extraordinary.”
