Krystian Zimerman

Poland's Krystian Zimerman began playing classical piano at age five, rising to prominence at 18 with his winning performance at the 1975 International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition. Zimerman has since become a major pianist with a reputation for perfectionism and reclusiveness.Financial Times: 'My piano almost dreams with me' (May 10, 2008)

Zimerman drew both protest and applause on the evening of April 26, 2009, when he angrily told his audience at Los Angeles' Walt Disney Concert Hall that he would no longer perform in the United States due to his objections to American foreign policy. His announcement was met by cheers of approval as well as shouted obscenities. Up to 40 audience members stormed out of the hall.Los Angeles Times: Krystian Zimerman's shocking Disney Hall debut (April 27, 2009)

Soon after 9-11, 2001, when Zimerman flew to the states to perform, his specially-modified piano was confiscated by security agents at JFK Airport. The instrument was reportedly damaged while under inspection and was not returned to Zimerman until nearly a week later.San Francisco Classical Voice: Precision and Passion (April 23, 2006)