Ji-Yong to debut with BBC Symphony
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff reporter
A debut with the BBC Symphony in Seoul, a concert debut in Japan and a first solo recording project in Germany ― not such a bad summer plan for a 19-year-old pianist (though of course, artistic caliber and age often are two different things).
Ji-Yong has been praised by the Chicago Tribune as ``a gifted, sensitive young pianist who is clearly going places,’’ and he obviously is.
In 2001, at age nine, he became the youngest ever winner of the New York Philharmonic Young Artists Competition. The following year he became the youngest pianist to be represented by international management company IMG Artists, and began to appear in prestigious halls across the United States, Korea and Russia.
On Saturday, he will be playing opposite the BBC Symphony for the first time. The unprecedented park-style performance at Olympic Park will bring London’s annual BBC Proms experience straight to the heart of Seoul.
``It’s my first time playing with the BBC Symphony and it’s also my first concerto in Korea. I can’t believe that this is actually happening; it’s rare to go to a historical place like Olympic Park for such a special event,’’ the artist, currently based in New York and studying at the Juilliard School, told The Korea Times over the phone, Monday.
He sounded tired after rehearsing all day, but still brimmed with excitement. ``It’s very cultural but also very inviting for everyone. It’s great that the Korean audience can actually enjoy stuff like this. I heard great things about (Maestro Jiri Belohlavek) and it means a great deal for me. I’m so excited to see all my fans.’’
He will be playing one of his favorite pieces, the romantic Grieg piano concerto, which he had previously showcased with the Cincinnati Pops. The performance also marked his international recording debut. ``It’s a powerful piece, exciting but also easy to listen to.’’
Classics with contemporary edge
Following the concert, he will be taking part in Ditto’s annual festival here throughout June. He will also give his first tour in Japan with the explosively popular chamber ensemble.
``It’s so much fun playing with the guys. It’s not just about me but listening to string players and creating harmony. I get to play with some of the greatest musicians of today, Stefan (Jackiw) and Richard (Yongjae O’Neill). I love their professionalism but they’re also very intelligent and I learn life lessons.’’
Moreover, performing with the group has been meaningful since it has been credited with bringing a breath of fresh air in the local arts scene by attracting young, non-classical music fans to the genre.
``I feel very fortunate because classical music is one of the most intellectual forms of music. It’s the origin, the foundation of music. As a classical musician, devouring the depths of musical history is unbelievable. I get to interpret history in a way that’s appropriate for this period,’’ he said.
Recently, Ji-Yong took the initiative to bring classical music even closer to the general public and more in tune with the MTV era by staging a series of impromptu street performances around Seoul.
To be more fashion-forward Ji-Yong had artist Che-joon Kim paint colorful designs on the grand piano. ``I always wanted to collaborate with other artists _ dancers, sculptors, painters. I don’t think there is anything more interesting. I really wanted to work with a painter, and do something young and flashy.’’
People stopped to listen, and during his performance at Yeongdeungpo, the audience at one point started singing along to his rock-style spin on the Korean children’s song ``Ongdalsaem’’ (Spring). ``It was one of the best moments ever,’’ he recalled.
Born in Korea in 1991 as Kim Ji-yong, the pianist displayed his artistic propensity at age four, when his mother, a vocal trainer, found him playing melodies he had memorized by ear. Ji-Yong’s unique musical sensibility made him a hot artist to watch out for, as he continues to harness his talents towards artistic ends.
But moreover, he’s someone who knows how to have fun onstage, complete with rhythm and flair, that highlights the performance aspect of music-making. Fans can also look forward to Ji-Yong’s solo album, which will go into production in Germany in August.
For the concert Saturday, the audience is invited to picnic on the lawn at 5 p.m. prior to the 7 p.m. show. The Czech conductor will lead the British ensemble for other pieces including the overture and three dances from Smetana’s opera ``The Bartered Bride’’ and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 ``From the New World.’’ Tickets cost from 30,000 to 80,000 won.
On Sunday, the BBC Symphony will perform the Sibelius Violin Concerto at Seoul Arts Center with charismatic violinist Chee-Yun (Kim Chee-yun). Also included in the program are Tippett’s Fantasia Concertante on a Theme of Corelli and Brahms’ Symphony No. 4. Tickets cost from 50,000 to 200,000 won.
Call 1577-5266.