Chung to turn fest into getaway for music, culture

By Lee Hyo-won

PYEONGCHANG, Gangwon Province ― Chung Myung-wha may play her 1731 ``Braga’’ Stradivarius with a certain air of authority, but never has she claimed ownership of the rare instrument ― the cellist seems to consider herself a vessel of music upon an endless tide of the classical tradition. Likewise, as the next-term head of the Great Mountains International Music Festival & School (GMMFS), she hopes to make positive waves in its long-term development as a place to enjoy not only chamber music but also Korean culture in the pastoral scenery.

``I never thought the Stradivarius I play was mine; I need to use it and pass it on safely to the next user. Likewise, when I begin my tenure next year, we need to look 50, 60 years down the road, and I hope to fulfill my role as a middleperson in the festival’s long-term development,’’ Chung told reporters Sunday at Alpensia Resort, PyeongChang. She will succeed Hyo Kang as the new artistic director of GMMFS beginning the eighth edition next year. Her younger sister, the violinist Chung Kyung-wha, will co-direct beginning Sept. 1.

As the new artistic director she will be preoccupied with planning the program and order of events and liaise with artists. She said she is constantly brainstorming ideas with her New York-based sister Kyung-wha, who is a professor at Juilliard.

``Gangwon Province is a great place to be all-year round, and not just during the festival. The GMMFS will be a chance to showcase the particularities of the region and also share the beauty of Korean arts and culture,’’ she said. The Korea National University of Arts professor has been regularly taking part in the event since its inaugural edition in 2004. Though she missed the second edition due to an overseas tour, she said she looks forward to the event each summer ― for the relaxation and repose the beautiful local scenery provides in her globe-trotting lifestyle.

``Musicians, or artists in general, need to be close to nature, because for us it’s all about performing naturally. It’s wonderful to indulge in the sight of the sunset and feel energized. Artists come here with their families and enjoy the resources,’’ she said.

Over the years many foreign artists, while being delighted to be immersed in an intimate music-making atmosphere, expressed regret with being unable to taste the local culture, being stranded in a remote resort where mostly Western-style food is served.

``In addition to the musical aspect, the festival should become a place to enjoy the arts and culture in general. We plan on actively introducing regional dishes, products and attractions as well as cultural content through the festival,’’ said Chung.

``There probably won’t be drastic changes next year. I hope to maintain and develop the framework Hyo Kang has created. I will do my best during my tenure to help it move forward and become a long-running word-class event,’’ she said.

Out and about GMMFS

While GMMFS is expected to have new dynamics under the wing of the Chung sisters, the biggest changes in the festival have already occurred this year.

The festival has moved from Yongpyong Resort to the neighboring Alpensia, where lodging and dining areas as well as the concert hall and other facilities are conveniently cluttered together. The resort’s poor management under the sudden influx of visitors was however extremely problematic, though granted that it is still going through growing pains of sorts.

Most importantly, the newly opened Alpensia Concert Hall has replaced the large, white tent-like Nunmaul Hall. While the acoustics of the new venue are most welcoming, some seemed to miss how there used to be something deeply moving about seeing premier artists willingly perform passionately under less-than-stellar conditions. With only 630 seats available the competition for tickets was fiercer than ever, and admission to the Distinguished Artists Series was booked weeks in advance. A large 1,300 seat hall is slated to be completed by 2012 within the resort.

Unlike previous editions the performances were not broadcast live outdoors. This was a disappointment for those unable to secure tickets or families with young children that would prefer tuning into music while picnicking. The screening service will be resumed next year, said Chung. Additionally, there are talks about broadcasting the performances on an outdoor screen in Seoul, for those unable to travel to PyeongChang. More efforts will be made to reach out to visitors near and far through online services such as Facebook and Twitter.

The festival’s core focus on chamber music will remain the same, though in the future there is room for the addition of orchestral or operatic programs particularly with the availability of more concert space.

GMMFS continues through Friday. Visit www.gmmfs.com for more information.