On June 1, 1954, at the age of twelve, I left my native Korea for the United States of America to pursue my musical studies at the world famous Juilliard School in New York City. Since that time I have received the most valuable education and have had the most rewarding concert career in the United States and Europe. As well as this, I have enjoyed some thirty-six years of teaching as Professor at Indiana University, Illinois State University, University of North Texas, and Boston University. In March 2005 I returned to Korea, the land of my birth, where I served two years as Dean of the College of Music at University of Ulsan, and now continue there as Chair Professor of Music. I also am serving as Guest Professor at Elisabeth University of Music in Hiroshima, Japan. From March 2007 I will begin teaching at Suncheon University in Suncheon, Cholla Namdo, Korea.

After over fifty years of musical activities - mostly in the United States and Europe - I now turn whole-heartedly to helping the musical development of the next generation of students, teachers, and audiences in Korea, Japan, and other Asian countries. Thus, it is a high honor and pleasureto serve as Artistic Director of the 2007 Chiang Mai Music Festival with its newly added initiatives - the Young Pianists Program and the Young Musicians' Development Program. After eighteen years as Artistic Director of the Tong-Il Han Piano Institute Summer Music Festival, held in many different places in the world - London, Boston, Budapest, Hiroshima, Honolulu, Pebble Beach, and Vancouver, B.C. as well as summer programs in Korea and in Courchevel, France - I am deeply gratified now to come to Chiang Mai in the beautiful and historic Kingdom of Thailand.

Our first 2006 Chiang Mai Music Festival offered concerts of the highest artistic quality with a most distinguished assembly of international artists and a variety of very appealing programs. At this juncture in 2007 we now emphasize education for aspiring musicians as well as audiences in general with our concerts in schools, public free of charge local concerts, and lessons in the community by our capable young teachers. Twelve young pianists studying with me in Korea have traveled to Chiang Mai to share with you their love of life and music in five local performances. With gratitude to our generous sponsors and dedicated supporters I would like to warmly welcome you. Please relax, enjoy our concerts, and join us in the beauty and universal communication of music.

Tong-Il Han