By Cathy Rose A. Garcia
Staff Reporter
Whenever someone mentions classical-pop crossover music, the name Maksim Mrvica always comes up.
Mrvica, who will hold two concerts in Seoul on April 25 and 26, is once again expected to dazzle Korean fans with his mix of classical and electronica music.
Even with his training as a classical pianist, Mrvica is passionate about doing crossover music. ``Whenever I perform concerts, I like to mix classical repertoire and crossover together. … Basically, there is nothing different. But I feel more dynamic when I play a crossover repertoire,'' he said, in an e-mail interview with The Korea Times.
The darkly handsome Mrvica said he has performed several times in Seoul in the last few years but each time is a memorable experience because of the intense reception he receives from his fans.
``Whenever I come to Korea, I enjoyed every moment with great people and had fun. I would like to say that Korean audience's reaction is very intense and supportive to my performance. I love that reaction,'' he said.
For his concerts, Mrvica said he will be performing classical pieces, as well as pieces from his crossover albums arranged for solo piano during his concert at the Olympic Hall, Olympic Park in southern Seoul.
Mrvica grew up in the town of Sibenik, Croatia. He discovered a passion for playing the piano and at the age of nine, his teachers sent him to the state music school where he was trained as a classical pianist.
The Croatian musician became known for his signature piece, an exciting version of Rimsky-Korsakov's ``Flight of the Bumblebee.'' His albums have sold hundreds of thousands of copies throughout Asia, where he has also performed sold-out concerts.
When asked about his secret to giving exciting live performances, Mrvica said he is always dedicated to delivering the best in his concerts. His concerts have been likened to rock concerts with special stage effects, lighting and video screens.
``I'm very dedicated and disciplined when it comes to my work but also very outgoing. I think my energy and motivation always comes from music itself. It is never the same and always dynamic," he said.
While he undoubtedly loves music, Mrvica said his top priority right now is his wife Ana and daughter Leeloo. His family always accompanies him on his tours. ``Right now, the three most important things in my life are family, music and happiness," he said.
Mrvica released his album ``Electrik" last year and is considering whether to release another this year.