Maestro Hahm Shin-iks Humble Journey to Fame
This is the first in a series of interviews featuring notable Koreans who have pushed the limits in different fields in the Unites States.
By Jane Han
Korea Times Correspondent
NEW HAVEN ― It's well known that the ruthless and vulgar conductor Kang Mae from MBC's hit drama ``Beethoven Virus'' was based on world-renowned Maestro Hahm Shin-ik. But Hahm cringed when asked if he saw himself in the TV character.
``I'm not that extreme,'' said the Yale professor after finishing an orchestra rehearsal with more than 100 student musicians. ``Being a good leader has a lot to do with holding back all those strong emotions.
``I always have to be willing and ready to be a servant. That's my idea of a good leader, instead of blowing fumes,'' said Hahm, as he brushed his hands through his electrified, Beethoven-like hair.
In an interview with The Korea Times at his office on the campus of Yale University, Hahm talked about living his life as a conductor, achieving success in the U.S. and why his ``moment'' has yet to come.
``It's not easy leading a huge group of talented musicians,'' said the professor, who has led dozens of top American, Far Eastern and North and South American orchestras. ``There is that unsolvable problem between an orchestra and music director because they're never going to be satisfied with each other.''
He says bridging the gap with professional musicians is a constant challenge, but what's even tougher is standing in front of students.
``I can't teach all those up and coming students unless I push myself endlessly,'' says Hahm, the first Korean professor at Yale who has been teaching at the Ivy League school for more than 15 years. He also currently serves as music director of the Yale Philharmonia.
``The school orchestra is symbolic so there is a great deal of pressure to meet all kinds of high expectations,'' said Hahm, who previously served as music director of the Yale Symphony Orchestra for almost a decade.
``Everyday is difficult and everyday has new challenges, but most importantly, everyday has something to be thankful for.''
The 52-year-old said he doesn't let a day go by without giving thanks, especially when he reflects on his career journey.
``I didn't have what it takes to stand where I am now,'' said Hahm, who grew up as a pastor's child with little money, let alone a solid childhood music education.
After finishing college in Seoul, he flew to the U.S. in 1983 with just $400 and a passion for conducting.
While studying at Rice University on a scholarship, Hahm juggled multiple part-time jobs, from driving delivery trucks to serving food at restaurants. He then pursued further studies at the Eastman School of Music, during which he founded the Gibbs Orchestra in Rochester, New York.
Hahm led the chamber ensemble to grow into a full-sized professional orchestra within two years, which proved both his musical and entrepreneurial talents.
His unconventional style and outside-the-box orchestral management quickly earned him fame.
``Each and every step I took up until now is what ultimately made me,'' he said, ``and I'm still in the process of making.''
Hahm considers himself only 26 years old, as he counts his first year in the U.S. as his first birthday.
``English will forever be a foreign language to me and there is a limit to my intellect, but one thing that's keeping me going is my perseverance,'' said Hahm, who is still looking forward to his defining moment.
``Everyone has their own time,'' the maestro said, ``but my time hasn't come yet. I think I'm almost ready now.''
Hahm said he'll continue to create and reproduce classical music that can be relatable even to ordinary people who aren't familiar with the genre.
``It's a contradiction how humans try to produce `perfect music' when we, ourselves, aren't perfect,'' he said, ``but that's why music is so fascinating.''