Leading Violinist Busks `Round the World & Bach’
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
An internationally renowned violinist has cast off his black and white tuxedo to travel ``60,000 miles around the world on an empty wallet.'' All the way across London and Paris to Sydney and Tokyo, David Juritz arrived in Seoul Tuesday to continue ``busking,'' or performing on the streets, to raise funds for Musequality, a charity which supports musical education for children in the developing world.
``As a musician, I find that the moments that last happen outside the concert hall,'' the concertmaster of the London Mozart Players told The Korea Times at a guesthouse near Insa-dong, right after checking in and unpacking his bags.
It is the South African native's second time in Seoul since visiting 18 months ago as the lead violinist in a crossover concert with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Korean rock band N.E.X.T., he said.
``It's a beautifully simple idea, and it took less than two minutes to come up with it,'' explained the lead violinist who plays on the soundtrack of the critically acclaimed film ``The Last King of Scotland'' (2006).
Musequality's first project, the Tender Talents Magnet School in Kampala, Uganda, has been caring for poor children since 1999. ``We are now in the process of buying instruments for the children, so the actual program will begin next month,'' he said.
The Korea Times accompanied the violinist busk on his way through northern Seoul. We found a perfect spot beneath a large tree near Ssamzie Gil in the middle of Insa-dong. Dozens of passersby gathered within seconds as Juritz produced melodious Bach pieces. Unfortunately, they were unable to purchase his Bach CD because he had run out.
But the heated street gig had to come to a close when a nearby shop owner asked us to move on.
``That often happens,'' Juritz said. The violinist found a spot at the Jongno end of the street. Performing on the street has enabled him to better understand neglected children, because he felt firsthand what it was like to be ignored.
When he visited Zurich, for example, he was literally kicked out of a concert hall hallway and had to perform outside on the staircase. The last time he was there, he was concertmaster of the Zurich Chamber Orchestra.
``But I've gotten more out the tough bits (or busking)'' Juritz said, adding that performing in the streets has its advantages. ``I can really see Seoul this time,'' he said, while strolling down the Chonggye Stream. He noted that playing beneath one of the bridges would be perfect, since the enclosed space gives a nice echo.
``Music is not simply entertainment, but it has an incredible power and can break down barriers,'' he said. Learning how to play an instrument has changed the lives of many children.
In Kampala, for example, a German priest taught trumpet to eight 13-year-old orphans. Instead of pick-pocketing, these former drug-addicts found a new way to earn a living by performing for a local telecom firm and eventually grew up to become a teacher, lawyer and musicians. What's more, they now house 64 orphans and help foster their growth.
You might be able to catch his street performance today around Insa-dong or Cheonggye Stream, northern Seoul, as suggested by The Korea Times. In the evening, Juritz will give a private performance at Gallery Gum Bit in Cheongdam-dong, southern Seoul. You call the gallery at (02) 512-2264.
Visit www.davidjuritz.com to find out more about David Juritz; www.roundtheworldandbach.com for detailed information on the world tour; and www.musequality.org for more news on the charity.