Chopin – Mortal Man, Immortal Genius

Speaker: Dr. Steven Lagerberg

Piano performance: Fred Kronacher

Date: Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 7:00PM

Place: Brechemin Auditorium at the School of Music, UW
campus

For years, Frederic Chopin has been thought to have suffered from the
ravages of tuberculosis. A startling new controversy now claims cystic
fibrosis and not tuberculosis was the cause of his chronic affliction.
Come and learn about this new possibility as a noted physician and
Chopin expert, Dr. Steven Lagerberg, and an esteemed musicologist and
pianist, Fred Kronacher, present “Chopin – Mortal Man, Immortal Genius,”
a program exploring the diagnostic possibilities and how the composer’s
illness affected his many beloved works. Excerpts of Chopin’s
magnificent music, performed by Mr. Kronacher, will illustrate the major
influence Chopin’s fatal illness had upon his works. Does Chopin’s
long-preserved heart now hold the clues to his suffering? Be the first
to know about this musical mystery!

Presentation is free and open to the public; reception to
follow.

Dr.Steven Lagerberg – A retired physician and medical
administrator with a lifelong passion for classical music Dr. Lagerberg
is the founder of the NW Chapter of the Chopin Foundation. He is also
an amateur musicologist who lives part-time in Paris where he helps
produce classical piano concerts at the prestigious Salle Cortot. Dr.
Lagerberg’s book Chopin’s Heart The Quest to Identify the Mysterious
Illness of the World’s Most Beloved Composer awaits its
publication.

Fred Kronacher – Co-founder and artistic director of the
recital series and music education organization, Musical Experiences.
Mr. Kronacher has performed in numerous recitals in the Seattle area. He
has appeared frequently on both KING-FM and KUOW-FM radio in Seattle and
has served on the faculty of Pacific Northwest Ballet, giving classes in
music appreciation.

Sponsors: University of Washington Polish Studies Endowment Committee
and the UW School of Music