Joy of Strings Marks 10th Anniversary
By Lee Hyo-won
Staff Reporter
Joy of Strings, a group of young string musicians led by internationally renowned violinist Lee Sung-joo, celebrates its 10th anniversary with a special performance Friday at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in northern Seoul.
The chamber group was launched in 1997 by Korea National University of Arts and Lee, one of the star professors. Lee is recognized as a ``first rate violinist'' (New York Times_ with `` impeccable technique'' (Il Gazzentina, Venice), and while planning a student-teacher concert, she decided to take the stage with all of her students instead of just a couple of her young violinists.
Joy of Strings was thus born, with Lee as its music director (Joy also happens to be Lee's English name). The surprisingly enthusiastic response led to a string of performance opportunities, and the chamber group began making a name for itself in the classical musical scene. The group soon took the world stage and took part in prominent music festivals across Korea, the United States and Germany.
But it wasn't always easy. Not too long after their debut, just a little over 10 people showed up at a concert due to a heavy snowfall. The musicians, young and little experienced, could easily be let down by the disheartening turnout. Lee explained the situation, saying that ``performers must give their very best even for just one listener - that is a true performer.''
Transcending its image as a ''student ensemble.'' Joy of Springs has come to define harmonious string music marked by youthful zest. In 2005, the group was recognized as a professional art group by Seoul city and in 2005 recorded their first album ''Classical Modernity'' with Universal Music Group. Joy of Strings also played for popular violist Richard Yongjae O'Neill's second album ``Lachrymae.''
While numerous groups form and disband quickly here, Joy of Strings continues its tradition with the next generation of up and coming talent naturally replacing elder members. For their 10th anniversary concert, two former Joy of Strings members join the ensemble after studying abroad.
The young musicians, all in their 20s, will stage pieces by contemporary musicians: ``Simple Symphony, Op. 4'' by Benjamin Britten, ``Divertimento'' by Bela Bartok and ''Arirang for String Orchestra'' by Kim Sung-ki.
Also included in the program are ``Tango Ballet'' by Argentinean tango master Astor Piazolla and ``String Concerto'' by Nino Rota, who is best known for the music in films such as Francis Ford Coppola's ``The Godfather'' series and Franco Zeffirelli's ``Romeo and Juliet.''
Tickets cost 30,000-50,000 won. Call (02)780-5054 for more information. Sejong Center for the Performing Arts is located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun station on subway line 5.
Fans can also look forward to a performance at Chungmu Art Hall in February (exact date to be announced).