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 received a most valuable education and have had a deeply rewarding concert career in the United States, Europe and Asia. 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. I served two years as Dean of the College of Music at University of Ulsan and currently continue there as Chair Professor of Music. In Japan I serve as Guest Professor at Elisabeth University of Music in Hiroshima. And, since March 2007 I have been teaching at Suncheon University in Suncheon, Cholla Namdo, Korea.

After more than fifty years of musical activities mainly 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 an honor and pleasure to serve as Artistic Director of the 2008 Chiang Mai Music Festival now in its third year. Our Young Pianists Program and the Young Musicians' Development Program form the educational aspect of the Festival and our annual public concert at Ban Wangtan Club in Handong draws music-lovers for a yearly concert welcoming all in this beautiful Chiang Mai setting.

For the eighteen years I was Artistic Director of the Tong-Il Han Piano Institute Summer Music Festival which took us to locations worldwide - London, Boston, Budapest, Hiroshima, Honolulu, Pebble Beach, Vancouver, B.C., Courchevel, France and numerous places in Korea. Now the Chiang Mai Festival is delighted to bring accomplished and aspiring young pianists along with musical colleagues of internationally established stature to Chiang Mai in the historic Kingdom of Thailand.

With gratitude to our generous sponsors and dedicated supporters I would like to warmly welcome you. Please relax, enjoy our concerts, and join us for simply beautiful music.

Tong-Il Han