Cellist Koh Contributing to Medical Research at Harvard

``Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,’’ but instead of wondering about the road not taken, scientist-musician Koh Bong-ihn is straddling both paths _ playing the cello on the world stage while contributing to medical research at Harvard’s Stem Cell Institute.

``Music requires practice, just like experiments require repetitions to yield results. They’re also all about interpretation,’’ the 23-year-old told The Korea Times at Seoul Arts Center in a recent interview. His family and friends, including Koh’s former teacher, the feted cellist Chung Myung-wha, were seen congratulating his impassioned performance of Elgar’s Cello Concerto with the Jeonju Symphony Orchestra.

Born in Jeonju in 1985, Koh made his international debut as an artist at age 12. But unlike most prodigies, he pursued a double degree at Harvard and the New England Conservatory, studying molecular biology while participating in Yo Yo Ma’s Silk Road project among other musical engagements.

He certainly enjoys the tension of balancing art and science, but interestingly enough, it is not so much about pursuing both careers. ``It’s the thought of not pursuing both careers that drives me,’’ he said.

``A lot of times I have been tempted to choose just one, when I see my (science) peers do well and have their moments of glory… I could be a better scientist or a better musician if I don’t split my time. But it’s a personal satisfaction, and I wouldn’t be happy if I give up either one,’’ said Koh.

Promoting Peace Through Music

What inspires him is the transforming power of music and science. ``When I play music, I can feel the audience breathing with me. When I’m going home late at night after working in the lab, I pass through the hospital and feel good that I’ve contributed to something that might help patients one day,’’ he said.

Koh’s silver-toned sounds shine through in standard classical repertoires like the Elgar concerto, but he also demonstrates flair for modern pieces. Last year, the cellist awed concertgoers with Isang Yun’s Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra. He enriches his music with his individual artistic intonation, and his melodic, idiomatic phrasings are at times unexpected, but are fresh and organic.

Some say that the critical aspect of artworks, whether it be a Miles Davis improvisation or a Picasso painting, is not so much the featured objects themselves but rather the space between objects. In Koh’s rendition of the Yun concerto, it was the silence between the notes that kept listeners on the edge of their seats.

He had learned about the late Korean-German composers’ music while spending his teens in Germany. As a Korean, he said he felt responsible to endorse Yun’s music and ideals _ ``to use music as a weapon to promote peace.’’

Last October, he became the first South Korean to play the cello concerto with a North Korean ensemble in Pyongyang. ``It was extraordinary,’’ he said about the five-day trip. He had certain expectations about the level of artistry of North Koreans, but was impressed by their prolific musicality and deep understanding of Yun’s work. The young cellist became very attached to the orchestra’s principal violinist and cellist and also had the opportunity to meet Yun’s widow, I Soo-ja.

What lies next? Koh is wrapping up his last semester at the New England Conservatory and is applying for Ph.D programs in stem cell biology. This multitalented musician may seem like the quintessential overachiever in a state of limbo. But he is challenging the notion.

``In about 20 or so years from now, I’d like to imagine myself working in a lab, where the radio is playing a recent performance of mine,’’ he said, eyes brimming behind his glasses.