In the midst of social distansing and self-isolation blues, I hope this performance of Bach’s Toccata in D major BWV 912 brings a little joy to your day! #BachBeatsCorona #bachinthesubways2020 https://youtu.be/lY7vzLg97os

Various Bach pieces performed by Thomas Minshall

Join classical crossover pianist Jolynn J Chin as she brings a night of energetic crossover music featuring the works of Bach. Jolynn J Chin is a modern crossover pianist known for her virtuosic arrangements, amazing piano dexterity, and eclectic blends of modern classical cross-over styles with Pop elements.

Jolynn’s latest album, Beyond Classical EP, has been recently considered for the 62nd Grammy Awards, in the category of Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.
“It is rarely where we can get the best from both worlds and this album is a gift for the sophisticated classical music listeners with a flair for entertainment.” Dimitar Kovachev: Writer, Composer and Arranger.

Jolynn worked with many renowned musicians such as music producer Roger Montejano, a member of the Grammy Recording Academy in NYC, and involved also the work of mastering engineers Mike Couzzi and Howie Weinberg, who has previously worked with Nirvana, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Metallica, among many other highly acclaimed international acts.

Her 2018 debut single “Toccata” was a hit that garnered many positive reviews, including magazines and media outlets such as Applause to the Musician (USA), One Song Magazine (INDIA), Asian Journeys (SINGAPORE), and tvSarawak.com (MALAYSIA). Toccata features the adaptation of Bach’s famous Toccata and Fugue in D minor with a hint of her signature jazz rhythms and modern bold sounds.

“The best word to describe her personality on the ivory keys is PASSIONATELY BOLD. You will be taken away each time she hits a key on the piano” – New Sarawak Tribune

“She hit those piano notes with perfection. Her mesmerizing piano tunes were so infectious it caught the crowd in awe.” – Kuching Borneo Blog

Born in Sarawak, Malaysia, Jolynn started her music education at the early age of 5. Classically trained on the piano for many years, she has been under the tutelage of Dr Nicholas Ong, DMA graduate from The Juilliard School. Jolynn has also studied under acclaimed concert pianists such as Andrew Brownell, champion of the 2005 J.N. Hummel Competition, and Li Ming Qiang, winner of the 4th Chopin International Competition in 1960.

She has won several prizes in competitions internationally, and was awarded the Gold Prize at the Asia International Piano Academy Festival Competition, and performed at a vast array of prominent venues and events.

Her classy style and aura of performance resonates with a style that touches on equal parts originality and familiarity, giving her audience a taste of something fresh yet still identifiable. Her music is also reminiscent of personal artist influences including Maksim, Havasi, Peter Bence, among others.

This was the first piece we played on the program on March 12, 2020. At the time, it was unknown to us that it would be the last concert of the the year for the Music at Noon Series in Waterloo, ON at Wilfrid Laurier University, where we teach at the Faculty of Music. Due to COVID-19, all teaching has been moved online and performances cancelled. We have been home for a bit over a week now with our 5 year old and he obliging let us play it again for Bach in the Subways. We hope you enjoy Gyorgy Kurtag’s wonderful arrangement of this piece by Bach. #BachBeatsCorona #bachinthesubways2020

The Junior Bach Festival is dedicated to touching young lives by promoting the study and performance of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Presented annually about the time of Bach’s birthday, March 21, the Festival features in concert some of the finest young musical talents in California, chosen by audition. This year’s set of twelve concerts were to take place in venues throughout the Bay Area from March 20-29. Due to concerns about the COVID-19 virus, and for the first time in its 67 year history, the Junior Bach Association has had to cancel our Festival performances. The silver lining: our organization is delighted to participate in Bach in the Subways for a sixth consecutive year! Junior Bach Festival performers will post their at-home performance videos our website, https://juniorbach.org/ and via hashtags #BachBeatsCorona, #bachinthesubways2020.