Maestro Paik, Rising Stars to Offer Four Piano Show

Maestro Paik Kun-woo, second from left, will give a rare concert featuring four grand pianos in May with three next generation pianists Kim Jun-hee, left, Kim Tae-hyung, third from left, and Kim Sun-wook, right. /Courtesy of Credia

Following 2007’s historic marathon of Beethoven’s complete piano sonatas in a week, maestro pianist Paik Kun-woo brings another unique project _ featuring four grand pianos in concert with three of South Korea’s hottest young artists, Kim Sun-wook, Kim Tae-kyung and Kim Jun-hee.

The idea for a concert featuring pieces for eight hands was conceived a few years ago, Paik told reporters Monday in Seoul. ``During (Franz) Listz’s time, renowned pianists came together for a concert featuring multiple pianos. I wondered how it would be to do something similar here, today,’’ he said.

Paik and the three Kims will alternate the parts of first, second, third and fourth pianos for Milhaud’s ``Paris’’ Suite for Four Pianos and Wagner’s ``Overture zu Tannhauser’’ transcribed for eight hands. Also included are Ravel’s ``Bolero’’ transcribed for the four instruments and Rachmaninov’s ``Symphonic Dances,’’ Op. 45. ``The multiple pianos will create grand sounds, and harmonize and resound like the glimmerings of twilight,’’ said the maestro.

While the performance itself is a one of a kind event, however, the pianist noted the significance of playing with young artists. ``If I think about it, my senior Han Dong-il inspired me. When I was going through hard times and loneliness in a foreign place, he was always there for me,’’ said the 62-year-old, who, with the elder pianist Han, was one of the first Korean musicians to debut overseas.

``In the past, Korean musicians had to build their careers on their own, but young musicians these days are blessed with well-trained local teachers,’’ he said. `` I am very proud of this new generation.’’ Paik saw the three young pianists perform in Paris, where he is currently based. ``They are all extremely talented, and cherish one another very much,’’ he said.

The three Kims are friends from the Korean National University of Arts. All barely out of their teens, they are seen as representing the new generation of pure, ``domestically-bred’’ musicians who have championed international events without having studied in the West at a young age. All three agreed it was a great honor to play alongside the maestro, and that it would be ``fun’’ to mix chemistries. >>More