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| Pianist Son Yeol-eum poses during an interview in this Dec. 29, 2016 file photo / Korea Times |
By Lee Hyo-won
PYEONGCHANG _ Shortly after winning silver at the Tchaikovsky competition in 2011, pianist Son Yeol-eum gave a big homecoming concert at the PyeongChang Music Festival and School. "I just can't believe I got to play for her tonight," Son had told The Korea Times at the time, about performing in front of her "idol," violinist and festival artistic director Chung Kyung-wha.
Last year, Chung and her sister and co-director, cellist Myung-wha, named Son as deputy artistic director of the PyeongChang Fest. The 31-year-old pianist sat down with The Korea Times over the weekend as the 14th edition of the music event came to a close, to discuss how she's growing into her new role, her latest recording project and her hopes for the Korean classical music scene.
"The position of deputy artistic director is something I never even imagined, and honestly, it's still quite overwhelming. It really is such an honor," the 31-year-old said.
"I haven't done much so far in terms of programming the festival, but I did pitch some ideas for this year's winter edition," she said, about the newly introduced PyeongChang Winter Music Festival that took place for the second year in February. Expanding its focus from classical music to include jazz titles, this year's winter festival received rave reviews for featuring local stars such as jazz vocalist Woong San as well as Grammy-nominated artist John Beasley for programs feting the centennial of Thelonious Monk.
"I suggested finding common ground between classical and jazz, such as featuring [jazz-inspired pieces by] Gershwin, instead of separating the genres through separate concerts. I wanted to do Bernstein as well, but perhaps next year," said Son, who has shown a particular affection for jazz. Last year, she released her first album in eight years, "Modern Times" on Decca, featuring an eclectic mix of jazzy swing tunes among other genres of music.
But more important than the programming _ which Son repeatedly emphasized has always been meticulously curated by the Chung sisters _ is continuing the music fest. It was launched in 2004 as Korea bid to host the Winter Olympics, and it remained unclear whether or not it will be held after the Games in February 2018.
Chairman Kim Sung-hwan of Gangwon Art & Culture Foundation said discussions are ongoing with the Gangwon provincial government, which finances the event, about the continuation of the festival. According to the festival's PR representative, it is expected to take place again next summer.
"I simply wish for the festival to continue. But the Winter International Arts Festival in Sochi also began as an effort to promote the Sochi Winter Olympics, and it has become a valuable event that has outlived the Games. I believe the PyeongChang Festival has already developed its own brand value," Son said.
Moreover, the deputy director hopes PyeongChang will continue to act as a bridge between near and far classical music communities.
"Korea is second to none in terms of fostering young classical music prodigies. But many Korean musicians face difficulties. It's not easy for an Asian classical musician to pave their paths in the West, while the Korean music market is way too small and saturated," the artist said.
"This is where the music fest, which brings together top-tier artists from all over the world, can play a great role. It has been an important stage for those who are well-known overseas but have yet to debut at home, or for locally based musicians who hope to expand their horizons abroad."
The artist, who is based in Hanover, Germany, will return to Korea next month to perform at Seoul's Lotte Concert Hall. The third of a series of concerts dubbed "Musical Letters from Yeol Eum Son," the performance will take place Sept. 9. Fans can also look forward to a new recording featuring pieces by Mozart from the pianist, details of which have yet to be disclosed.
The writer is the former Korea bureau chief of the fine arts company Louise Blouin Media. Lee is currently the Seoul correspondent for The Hollywood Reporter and other arts/culture media outlets.
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