Chinese pianist wins Isang Yun competitionBy Lee Hyo-won A Chinese pianist won the grand prize at Korea’s foremost international competition in Tongyeong, Saturday, taking home a cash prize of $30,000. Chen Yunjie, a student at the Juilliard School in New York, was among five finalists at the 2010 Isang Yun competition, which is held annually in conjunction with the Tongyeong International Music Festival (TIMF) in the South Gyeongsang Province city. He claimed the honor by delivering “a delicate and convincing interpretation” of Rachmaninov’s Third Piano Concerto with the Changwon Philharmonic Orchestra, the competition organizers said. Before participating in the event, Chen championed other competitions, finishing fourth at the Long-Thibauld in France last year. The second prize ($20,000) went to Italy’s Alessandro Deljava, who won the jury prize at the 2009 Van Cliburn, while Russia’s Elmar Gasanov, the winner of Hungary’s 2006 Liszt-Bartok, claimed third ($10,000). Two young artists from Korea, Lee Ju-eun and Kim Sung-pil, shared fourth ranking ($6,000 each). No fifth prize ($5,000) was awarded. The winnerNov 8, 2010
Pianist Paik to debut with Israel PhilharmonicBy Lee Hyo-won For the classical pianist, Rachmaninov’s Third Piano Concerto is often considered the equivalent of climbing K2 — this is no wonder since the Russian composer, who was riding the peak of his fame at home, composed it in order to woo the American audience. Paik Kun-woo was 15 and fresh off the boat in New York when he first dabbled with the piece. Maestro Leonard Bernstein heard him practicing it for the 1st Dimitris Mitropoulos Competition, and obviously greatly moved, said this talented young man deserves support. Paik went on to win the Special Prize at the event. Now almost half-a-century later, he may be recognized as one of the most esteemed artists of his generation — the Eun-Gwan Order of Culture Merit, the second highest cultural honor, that he received Monday is one tangible example. “I’ve always received such warm support in Korea and I am very happy and grateful to be awarded the national medal. But I also feel a greater sense of responsibility,” Paik told reporters the following day in Seoul. As a musician, fathoming the depth of theNov 3, 2010
Album reviewsDaejeon Philharmonic Choir `Handel: Dixit Dominus, HWV 232’ (SonyBMG Korea) The Daejeon Philharmonic Choir brings a collection of Baroque choral music ― the first of its kind in the country to be released under a major label. During a time when album sales are at an all-time low, it appears risky to present something so specialized as an album of 18th-century Catholic liturgical works. But it seems this is precisely what the industry needs ― a recording with a strong hue that will appeal to a niche audience. Besides, anyone can easily appreciate pristine, silvery vocals. What’s more, the project attests to the esteemed level of period music-making in Korea; last year marked the 250th anniversary of Handel’s death, and various festivals invited musicians from near and far, including Maestro Helmut Rilling, for concerts. The track list includes the titular Handel piece, ``Dixit Dominus,’’ which is a part of Vespers (evening prayers), as well as ``Deus ad Adjuvandum me Festina,’’ TV 593 by ``the red priest’’ Vivladi and Credo in F major by Lotti. The latter is a part of MNov 2, 2010
Weekender Number the stars this seasonWith their Mozart-meets-MTV appeal, classical music's young stars incite the cult following of a rock star. By Lee Hyo-won With the fall foliage and nippy air stirring up sentimental souls, ‘tis a season ripe for nostalgic piano tunes. Add to that some great visuals ― classical music’s hottest young stars have a knack for engaging viewers in the magic of live performance, and their boyish visage invites the cult following of a rock star. Mark your calendars to catch pianists Yundi, Lang Lang, Kim Sun-wook and Ji-Yong give up-close and personal recitals, through which each artist will tackle different repertoires ranging from Chopin and Beethoven to Schumann and Liszt. An unwarranted rivalry In 1982, China gave birth to two of the most exciting pianists of their generation: Yundi and Lang Lang. The 28-year-olds are often compared, given their common national roots and age as well as exclusive recording contracts with the music giant Deutsche Grammophon. This year they were both busy promoting their albums under new labels, and the two will give recitals one afteOct 28, 2010
Pianist Lupu cancels Korea tourBy Lee Hyo-won The Korean concert debut by Radu Lupu, one of the most talked about events of the season, has been called off due to the pianist’s ill health. The Romanian pianist was on a concert tour in Japan when his condition deteriorated. He cancelled his remaining engagements in Japan and Korea to receive a medical checkup in Switzerland. Lupu is ``extremely unwell,’’ his agency said. The artist was slated to give a solo recital at Seoul Arts Center on Sunday and appear as soloist with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra on Nov. 3. Mast Media, the local organizer of the recital, will refund all tickets by Nov. 30 and plans to initiate talks with his agency to realize his Seoul debut in the near future. Call (02) 541-3183. Meanwhile the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra is searching for a replacement for Lupu and will reimburse tickets free of charge via telephone. The second half of the performance, featuring Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 under the conduction of Maestro Chung Myung-whun, will be staged as planned. Call 1588-1210.Oct 26, 2010
Perlman commends Koreas classical musiciansBy Lee Hyo-won ``I’m in the middle of a news meeting, I’ll have to call you back later.’’ Answering a cell phone during a packed press conference usually invites irritated murmurs from reporters, but instead a bout of infectious laughter filled the room. This is none other than the superstar violinist Itzhak Perlman who, whether on or offstage, exudes a certain joie de vivre that thoroughly engages you. The artist met with the press Monday in Seoul, ahead of his much-anticipated performance here Tuesday. Tickets were long sold out for the recital, which marked his return to Korea after 19 years. ``Some of the mothers (of my Korean students) are going to come backstage to say hello,’’ said Perlman, who in addition to having an illustrious career as a concert violinist, is also a devoted teacher. He is known to Korean fans as a Juilliard fellow of the country’s celebrated violinist Chung Kyung-wha, and has succeeded their teacher Dorothy DeLay at the New York music school. He currently holds the Dorothy Richard Starling Foundation chair. The hype over Perlman’s visit iOct 26, 2010
Album reviewsBelle & Sebastian ‘Write About Love’ (ROUGH TRADE RECORDS) Belle & Sebastian remain one of the few bands that bring about one of two polar reactions:ignorant blankness or insta-excitement. The seven-member Scottish ensemble, led by front man Stuart Murdoch, have been creating their own brand of light-footed, indie-varnished bubblegum pop since 1996 (originally concocted as a university project), but B&S remains one of the more consistently steadfast groups on the scene. A four-year studio-release hiatus has faded none of their balanced harmony, equally buttressing the other members for their parts. Though it is Murdoch’s forever-youthful vocals that grace the majority of the tracks, their eighth album opens with Sarah Martin’s breathy alto on the building, lightly 70s glitter rock number, and the hopping camp of “I’m Not Living in the Real World” is punctuated with Stevie Jackson amid chorusing crescendos of “oohs” a la The Shins. Norah Jones features in a surprising, dimmed music bar duet “Little Lou, Ugly Jack, Prophet John,” while actress Carey Mulligan (“An EduOct 26, 2010
Starry nights with live music, fall foliageBy Han Sang-hee Come and enjoy music and the breezy weather on the soft green grass this weekend at the Grand Mint Festival. The annual music event has been held since 2007, and despite its rather short history, it is considered one of the best music events of the season. The promotions for the festival was launched almost three months ago, revealing lineups and various events that will take place at the spacious Olympic Park, southern Seoul. The Grand Mint Festival is divided into five stages: the Mint Breeze Stage, Club Midnight Sunset stage, Loving Forest Garden stage, Cafe; Blossom House stage and Busking in the Park stage. Top artists include Yang Bang-ean (Oct. 23) and Lee So-ra (Oct. 24) on the Mint Breeze Stage; Lee Seung-hwan and Clazziquai Project (Oct. 23) and Kim Yu-na and Teenage Fanclub (Oct. 24) on the Club Midnight Sunset stage; Jung Jae-hyung, Epitone Project, Gukkasten (Oct. 23) and Hot Potato and Lee Ji-hyeong (Oct.24) on the Loving Forest Garden stage and numerous indie bands and artists appearing on the other two stages, Cafe Blossom House and BOct 20, 2010
Popera diva Sarah Brightman to dazzle Korean fansBy Han Sang-hee The song “Nella Fantasia” touched the hearts of viewers when the cast of the popular television show “Qualifications of a Man” (KBS) sang it as a challenge to work together as a choir and compete in a singing contest not so long ago. The song became a big hit among viewers and now comes the chance for music-lovers to watch the song be performed by one of the most celebrated popera artists in the world: Sarah Brightman. The 50-year-old English singer is coming to Korea for the third time, and is expected to excite fans once again with her impeccable vocals and song choices. Fans may recall the past two concerts; “Harem” in 2004 and in “Symphony” 2009. They were extravagant performances with more of a “popera” touch, but the upcoming show will be from a more traditional classical standpoint. Titled “Sarah Brightman — In Concert with Orchestra,” Brightman will sing song alongside the Prime Philharmonic Orchestra. The lineup is impressive indeed, which will surely satisfy classical fans, and yet also introduce music lovers to a whole new world of dOct 20, 2010
Album reviewsSuh Hai-kyung `Rachmaninov: Complete Piano Concertos’ (Deutsche Grammophon) Why we recommend it: Recording a complete cycle of works is the musician’s equivalent of conquering the Himalayas, and the record lives up to the reputation of its brand-name artist. Recommended tracks: Piano Concertos Nos. 2, 3 and 4 Even among those who aren’t diehard fans of classical music, Suh Hai-kyung is a household name. She is widely recognized for her cameo in the smash hit TV series ``Beethoven Virus,’’ and while Lang Lang may have owned a flashy red Steinway, Samick last year released an entire new line of instruments inspired by the keyboard diva. Suh has teamed up with the Maestro Alexander Dmitriev-helmed St. Petersburg Academie Symphony Orchestra to record Rachmaninov’s complete piano concertos ― in the heart of Russia in just 10 days. It’s the second ever attempt in Korea after Maestro Paik Kun-woo, and the first ever for a female Asian artist. It’s a dream project ― recording a full cycle is the musician’s equivalent of conquering Everest and the recording lives up to the reOct 19, 2010