Jon Nakamatsu, Van Cliburn International Piano Competition gold medalist, will perform during Heartstrings, a benefit concert to raise funds for El Camino Hospital’s Healing Arts Program on Nov. 9.

The setting for the concert will be Stonebrook Court (formerly Morgan Manor) in Los Altos Hills, and the evening will feature a pre-concert dessert reception, brief tours of the restored historic mansion and a reception with the pianist following his performance.

A Bay Area resident with roots in the local community, Nakamatsu travels frequently, performing as a concert soloist, chamber musician, recording artist and solo recitalist throughout the United States, Europe and Japan.

Initially brought to global attention in June 1997 by being named gold medalist of the Tenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, he has subsequently appeared as a soloist with many prestigious orchestras in the United States and abroad. His extensive recital tours have featured debuts at Carnegie Hall in New York City and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

Nakamatsu said he is happy to perform in his home community and to support El Camino Hospital’s Healing Arts Program, which provides creative therapies that complement and enhance the expert medical care the hospital’s patients receive.

For example, recovering cancer patients can heal their spirits through painting classes; musicians roam the hospital, calming patients and staff with music; humorous programs on the hospital’s closed-circuit television and the antics of a traveling jester restore health through laughter.

The program also offers visiting dogs bringing cheer to convalescing patients and the presence of a massage therapist to relieve anxiety.

Supporters said the program enhances the hospital environment for staff and improves the healing process for patients and their families. “Volunteers provide invaluable emotional support to both patients and caregivers, thereby relieving stress and facilitating a speedier recovery,” according to a healing arts program spokesperson.

Tickets to the concert are $125 per guest and benefit the Healing Arts Program. To download an invitation or to find more information about Heartstrings and Healing Arts, visit

www.elcaminohospital.org/heartstrings.

You may also contact Lindsay Greensweig, director of annual giving, 988-7849, e-mail Lindsay_Greensweig@elcaminohospital.org.