INTERVIEW Striving for classical music for all Violinist Ray Chen speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at the KBS Music Studio, March 28. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-sukBy Anna J. ParkRay Chen, 30, is an internationally renowned classical violinist who travels the world performing with the most prestigious orchestras, including the London Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Munich Philharmonic. Since winning the Queen Elisabeth Competition, one of the most challenging competitions for instrumentalists, at the age of 20 in 2009, he has been hailed by music critics for his deeply felt musicality, rich sound and solid techniques.But the Taiwanese-Australian does not fall into the stereotype of classical music virtuosos, who tend to have a lofty air around them. His bright, down-to-earth personality makes him approachable and he is one of the most active classical music artists on social media. He has over 151,000 followers on Facebook, about 134,000 followers on Instagram and some 54,000 followers on YouTube. Even with his extremely busy, globe-trotting schedule, he finds time to upload short, light-heartApr 7, 2019By Anna J. Park
INTERVIEW Top-notch conductor continues to blaze trails in classical music scene Sung Shi-yeonBy Anna J. ParkSung Shi-yeon, 43, is one of very few top-notch female classical music conductors in the world. Blazing trails is nothing new for Sung ― she has always opted to follow her own passion and bliss at the price of uncertainty and fear, which has led her to lead a life full of challenges.“I think I like adventures. If I want something truly, I have the persistence to give it a go. If that works, it is a blessing and gratitude; and if that doesn't work, I never regret, because at least I know I gave it a sincere try,” she said with a smile during a recent interview with The Korea Times. She was the first-ever woman to win the first prize in the prestigious Sir George Solti International Conductors' Competition back in 2006, followed by winning the Gustav Mahler Conducting Competition the next year. That year, she also became the first-ever woman to be named as assistant conductor at the Boston Symphony Orchestra since its founding in 1881.She also was the first female chief conductor and artistic director of a Korean public orchestra. She led the GyeMar 24, 2019By Anna J. Park
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