Continuing to create adventurous “beyond category” music, pianist/composer Deanna Witkowski’s new solo project finds her bringing an improviser’s ear to the music of Chopin. Witkowski melds the essence of selected Chopin works with elements of Brazilian, jazz, and free improvisation in her upcoming fall recording. In 2011-12, Witkowski was the keynote presenter at the Shannon Lecture Series at Nazareth College, where her lecture/performances focused on the parallels between musical improvisation and contemplative prayer. Her quartet also toured at colleges in Michigan, Ohio, and New York, and performed at the Michigan Festival of Sacred Music. This fall, WItkowski will teach for seven weeks at the Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music in India.