Star pianist Lang Lang inspires aspiring students with his latest album 'Piano Book' Pianist Lang Lang's latest album cover image. Courtesy of Universal Music Group and Deutsche GrammophonBy Anna J. ParkStar pianist Lang Lang is currently staying in Seoul for a couple of concerts and a master class. In commemorating of his latest album “Piano Book,” he is scheduled to give a master class to four aspiring young Korean musicians at the 6,500-seat auditorium of SaRang Church in southern Seoul at 7:30 p.m. on Monday. The event's organizer J&A Music told The Korea Times that it had received free online registrations for attendance of the event, and it is now all booked with students and general audiences who'd like to closely watch the virtuoso pianist's golden tips to be a prominent pianist. During his visit to Korea, Lang Lang has so far performed at two other occasions; one was held at Club Chroma of Incheon Paradise City on the evening of June 22 as the Universal Music Korea's 16th Yellow Lounge concert, designed to let audiences to enjoy classical music in a more relaxed and free environment. The other concert was held in the afternoon of June 23 at tJun 23, 2019By Anna J. Park
INTERVIEW Composer-conductor Choi Jae-hyuck explores new realm of beauty in music Composer Choi Jae-hyuck conducts a rehearsal of the Korean premiere of his composition “Self-portrait V” with Yieum Ensemble at Sejong Chamber Hall in Seoul, back in 2015. Courtesy of Estro.By Anna J. Park For most people, understanding contemporary classical music pieces doesn't come easy; even frequent concert goers find it difficult due to their unfamiliar chord progressions and employment of dissonant sound. Why does modern classical music no longer sound like that of Mozart?Composer and conductor Choi Jae-hyuck, 24, might be one of the most suitable interviewees to answer to such a layman's question and possibly dissipate the prevalent prejudice toward modern classical music. Choi, a graduate of The Juilliard School and the first prize winner of the prestigious Geneva Competition in 2017 with his composition of “Clarinet Concerto, Nocturne III,” is considered one of the most talented young composers of his generation.During a recent interview with The Korea Times, Choi explained that contemporary classical music aims to expand the scope of beauty.“WJun 19, 2019By Anna J. Park
Annual chamber music 'Ditto Festival' offers last season From left, violinist Stefan Pi Jackiw, violinist Yu-Chien Tseng, a page-turner, pianist George Li, cellist James Kim and violist Richard Yongjae O'Neill play Robert Schumann's Piano Quintet in E-flat major, Op. 44, during a press conference in Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of CrediaBy Anna J. Park After a successful 12 years, the Ditto Festival, Korea's largest annual chamber music event, opened its final installment this month. Titled “Magic of Ditto,” the 18-day festival is currently underway at various venues, including the Seoul Arts Center and the Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Center until June 29.The last season of the annual ensemble music festival began last week, with violist Richard Yongjae O'Neill, who has been the music director of the festival since its beginning back in 2007, and pianist Jeremy Denk, performing various pieces including Schumann's “Three Fantasy Pieces” and “Fairy Tale Pictures.” This week's Ditto performances start Wednesday at the Seoul Arts Center, with Schumann's Piano Quintet in E-flat major, Op. 44 as well as other chamber musJun 17, 2019By Anna J. Park
INTERVIEW Violinist Lim Ji-young says music is her destiny Violinist Lim Ji-young. Courtesy of Koo Bon-sook, Music and Art CompanyViolinist Lim Ji-young talks about her life after winning the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Competition in 2015, and her upcoming recitals in KoreaBy Anna J. ParkViolinist Lim Ji-young surprised the world when she won the first prize at the Queen Elisabeth Competition in 2015, one of the most prestigious competitions, when she was only 20. At the time she was studying in Korea at the Korea National University of Arts under the supervision of professor Kim Nam-yun. Her life changed dramatically after winning the big competition. She said she became a professional musician without much preparation. During a recent interview with The Korea Times, Lim, now 24, said the last four years have been a great learning experience for her. Through trial and error, she said she learned what it is like to live as a professional musician, and now she has realized that music is her life and her destiny. “Now it is certain for me that making beautiful music is my destiny and my talent. I am grateful of the talent bestowed upon Jun 10, 2019By Anna J. Park
INTERVIEW Two musicians present 'Viola Fantasy' Violist Kim Se-june and pianist Park Jin-hyung pose for a photo. Courtesy of MOC Production.By Anna J. ParkTwo classical musicians, violist Kim Se-june, 31, and pianist Park Jin-hyung, 23, will perform a joint concert at the Seoul Arts Center, next Thursday. Titled "Viola Fantasy," the concert will present various viola-piano pieces, including Hummel's "Fantasy in G minor for Viola and Piano," Enescu's "Concert Piece for Viola and Piano" and Bowen's "Fantasy for Viola and Piano.""Hummel's Fantasy was inspired by Mozart and Rossini's operatic themes and melodies. Enescu's piece demonstrates the full range of the instruments, such as their versatile characters and scales. Bowen's piece has a slightly different hue, which is somewhat reminiscent of jazz," violist Kim Se-june explained, during a recent interview with The Korea Times. The pieces were all chosen by violist Kim himself, aiming to showcase the viola's full range to audiences. "I wanted to break the public's general prejudice against the viola, by presenting the viola's glamorous and rich sound," Kim added. Kim Se-june first Jun 5, 2019By Anna J. Park
INTERVIEW Celtic-Nordic duo Secret Garden talks about musical roots, new album “Storyteller” Members of band Secret Garden. Fionnuala Sherry from Ireland, left, and Norwegian Rolf Lovland pose for a photo. / Courtesy of Universal MusicBy Anna J. ParkSecret Garden have a passionate following and numerous mega-hit songs, including “You Raise Me Up.” The duo of Irish violinist and multi-instrumentalist Fionnuala Sherry and Norwegian composer Rolf Lovland has maintained their partnership for 25 years, selling millions of albums worldwide, many of which went platinum in numerous countries. In a recent email interview with The Korea Times, Secret Garden talked about their musical union, inspiration and their tenth album “Storyteller,” their latest release after “Secret Garden 20th Anniversary” in early 2015.Sherry said she thinks her bond with Lovland is the foundation of their long-lasting musical journey together. “I think the most important aspect is that we are very close friends and we really enjoy each other's company. With that also comes a lot of respect and we both share the responsibility of the work involved with Secret Garden. May 31, 2019By Anna J. Park
Artistic Director Son Yeol-eum unveils theme, program for 16th Music in PyeongChang Music in PyeongChang's artistic director Son Yeol-eum speaks during a press conference in southern Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Music in PyeongChangArtistic Director Son Yeol-eum talks about this year's installment of the annual music festival By Anna J. ParkThis year marks the 16th installment of Music in PyeongChang (MPyC), formerly known as the PyeongChang Music Festival, or Great Mountains Music Festival, and the annual summer classical music event's theme and detailed program have been unveiled. World-renowned pianist Son Yeol-eum, the annual music festival's artistic director, announced Tuesday that this year's theme will be “A Different Story,” presenting 12 main music concerts along with scores of other special concerts and master classes. “I hoped to awaken somewhat different and fresh perspectives on the music concerts and festival; just as when we say it's a different story during our colloquial conversations, it conveys subtle nuances of curiosity or originality to listeners,” Son said during a press conference held Tuesday in Seoul.It is Son's secoMay 28, 2019By Anna J. Park
INTERVIEW Park Jong-seong lifts harmonica to key musical instrument in classical music performances Harmonicist Park Jong-seong poses for a photo with one of his harmonicas. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-sukBy Anna J. ParkPark Jong-seong, 32, is a pioneer who has lifted the status of harmonica to one of the key musical instruments in the classical music scene. He is the first student to major in harmonica at a university in Korea. He is also the first Korean ever to win the first prize at the World Harmonica Festival in 2009, held every four years in Germany. He has won first prize in many other competitions, including the Asia Pacific Harmonica Festival in China in 2008, and Whole-Japan Harmonica Competition Champion of Tremolo solo in 2011.As a world-class harmonica soloist, Park has performed with Korea's major orchestras, including the Korean Symphony Orchestra and Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra, among others. He has also been often featured on various soundtracks of films and TV shows.Park first picked up the instrument when he was 12 as a hobby. At the time, he didn't expect it to be the center of his life; soon, the fun of playing the harmonica became the most joyful thing May 27, 2019By Anna J. Park
Pianist Lim Dong-hyek talks about his recent Rachmaninov album Pianist Lim Dong-hyek speaks during a press conference in Seoul, Friday. Courtesy of Warner Music Korea'Happiness from music comes with pain' By Anna J. ParkLim Dong-hyek, one of Korea's most beloved and talented pianists, has released his fifth album on Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2. It is his first album in nearly four years, following his previous recording of Chopin's 24 Preludes and other works released in late 2015. As the Chopin album received critical acclaim from Gramophone with a pick as “Editor's Choice,” his new album has garnered attention from classical fans around the world.The new album is the 34-year-old pianist's first piano concert recording, and Lim said it had to be Rachmaninov. “Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2 exhibits all the elements of his musical greatness. It's so Russian; it's a feast of continuation of overwhelmingly beautiful and heart-throbbing melodies,” Lim told reporters at Warner Music Korea in southern Seoul, Friday.“In playing the concerto, I didn't attempt any excessive interpretations. Some might say itMay 26, 2019By Anna J. Park
Pianist Sunwoo Yekwon on tour with the Schumanns' repertoires Pianist Sunwoo Yekwon plays Schumann's “Fantasie in C Major, Op.17” during a press conference in Seoul, Monday. Sunwoo is giving recitals across the nation until June 1. Courtesy of MOC ProductionBy Anna J. ParkSunwoo Yekwon, 30, is currently on a nationwide tour with piano recitals focusing on the repertoires of the Schumanns ― Clara and Robert ― and Brahms. These recitals are his first national tour, with a collection of compositions the pianist has carefully chosen himself, since he won the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2017.“I personally felt really close to works by the Schummans and Brahms. Also, this year marks the 200th anniversary of the birth of Clara Schumann. … The three close musicians musically influenced one another, giving birth to incredibly precious music. On this tour, I play works mainly by these three composers,” said Sunwoo, during a press conference in Seoul, Monday. Under the title of “My Clara,” his selection of compositions includes Clara Schumann's “Notturno in F Major, Op.6-2,&rdMay 17, 2019By Anna J. Park
