At home on the stage

Jim-Isaac Chua, an award-winning pianist with a passion for supporting nonprofits like Habitat for Humanity, will perform at the inaugural Keys for Homes: Concert for a Cause fund-raiser this Friday, Nov. 8, in Newport.

“We’re thrilled to host Jim-Isaac for what is sure to be a spectacular evening,” said Lucinda Taylor, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Lincoln County. “I was blown away by his talent and his enthusiasm for supporting stronger communities. I especially appreciate his passion for making his music accessible to all. His target audience is absolutely everyone, from classical music lovers to anyone hearing a piano concert for the first time.” 

Currently living in Poland, Chua grew up in Tri-Cities Washington, where he began volunteering at a young age and was introduced to the Habitat organization.

“Growing up thinking about this organization and meeting people from it I realized how important this cause is because a home is one of the most important things to have,” he said. “It’s also very inspiring because when you are going out and performing in different places like I do, you realize even more the importance of home. Habitat is an organization I have a lot of love and respect for.”

During Chua’s fall 2023 tour of the United States, Poland and the Philippines, the Filipino-American pianist gave more than a dozen concerts in notable halls such as Krzysztofory Palace, CSI Fine Arts Center and Fernan Cebu Press Center where the Cebu Arts Society wrote that, “[Chua] gifted us with one of the most beautiful piano performances we have ever seen.”   

The underlying theme and message of the concerts is home, whether it is the physical place or the people closest to you.

“Several of the composers were in exile and/or lost people very close to them,” Chua said, “so it is a message everyone can relate to, and one closely related to Habitat for Humanity’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Chua will introduce each piece so that everyone has the chance to appreciate and love the masterfully composed music.

“I like to talk to the audience members, especially about the theme of the concert,” he said. “This concert is really open for everyone, even people who have not heard classical music before. We want this event to be as warm and friendly as possible because gathering around music is a wonderful way to bring different people together.” 

Friday’s concert will start at 7:30 pm at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center, located at 333 SE Bay Blvd. in Newport. The fund-raising event will include a wine pull and silent auction, including an opportunity to win lunch with Chua and Taylor.

For more information and ticket sales, go to habitatlincoln.org/keys-for-home.

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