Renowned Bay Area pianist John Boyajy’s first trip to San Juan Island was a somber occasion: to play at a Celebration of Life of a high school friend, Jan Smulovitz.

But after meeting many local musicians, performing at musicale and giving private lessons, Boyajy was smitten by the island nonetheless.

Boyajy, a featured performer at the Lincoln Center and Harvard Club, and a Juilliard graduate, returns Saturday, May 11, to play a benefit concert for the San Juan Nature Institute. The performance will include Debussy’s L’Isle Joyeuse, Chopin Ballades in F Major and F Minor, Bach’s Italian Concerto and Recent Runes by Ann Callaway.

The concert begins at 7:30 p.m., at Friday Harbor Presbyterian Church. Tickets, $15 at the door.

In addition, Boyajy will lead a “public master class” and give several private lessons. Info, 378-3646, www.sjnature.org.