Veteran Artists Turn New Chapter in Career

Two of South Korea’s most feted classical musicians, violinist Lee Sung-joo, 55, and cellist Chung Myung-wha, 65, will host special recitals in Seoul that mark a special moment in their careers.

Following the marathon recitals of Beethoven sonatas by pianist Paik Kun-woo and cellist Yang Sung-won in 2007, Lee will realize her own longtime dream of playing the German composer’s complete violin sonatas, Sunday, at Kumho Art Hall.

Lee paid attention to finding the right balance of presenting well-known pieces together with the lesser-known ones, ``to tell a story of Beethoven’s transforming music over time,’’ she said in a statement.

Sunday, beginning 3 p.m., Lee will play Sonatas Nos. 1-5 and No. 10, in between Nos. 3 and 4. At 7:30 p.m., the violinist will deliver Nos. 8, 6, 7 and 9, in that order. She explained the recital would be a long journey exploring the life and music world of Beethoven. ``I am vis-à-vis with the great artist Beethoven. I hope to share this wonderful yet extremely arduous experience with everyone,’’ she said.

Lee was one of the first Korean students to study at the Juilliard School of Music in New York. She launched her career in New York in 1977 as a Young Concert Artists winner and was immediately recognized as a ``first rate violinist'' by the New York Times.

She had to obtain American citizenship in order to participate in the 1978 Tchaikovsky Competition because no Korea-Russia relations existed at the time. She became the second Korean-born artist to win a prize in the conservative event after maestro Chung Myung-whun.

In 1994, she gave up her U.S. citizenship and returned to Korea. She now teaches at the Korea National University of Arts.

Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 50,000 won for each concert. A 10 percent discount is available if you purchase tickets for both concerts. Call (02) 780-5054.

40 Years With Cello

Chung Myung-wha’s international debut in 1969 with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra catapulted her to stardom. Two years later, she made her mark in Europe by winning the Geneva International Music Competition.

Her illusive career dots across the world’s most prestigious halls, alongside top tier ensembles such as the Vienna Philharmonic. She and her talented siblings, maestro pianist-conductor Myung-whun and virtuoso violinist Kyung-wha, were known as the famous Chung Trio.

To celebrate her four decades with the cello, Chung chose a program spanning three centuries: Schubert’s Sonata for Viola and Piano, D. 821 in A Minor ``Arpeggione’’ (the 1700s piece was rearranged for her instrument), Strauss’ Sonata for Cello and Piano (18th century), Op. 6 and

finally, Barber’s Sonata for Cello and Piano, Op. 6 (20th century).

Pianist Kim Dae-jin, another one of Korea’s celebrated teaching performers, will accompany Chung for the sonatas. Like Lee Sung-joo, Chung accepted a professorship at the Korea National University of Arts in 1994. The ``first generation’’ artist has since been committed to fostering young talent.

Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 50,000 won. At 7 p.m., an hour before the concert is due to begin, remaining tickets for B and C tickets will be available for sale to for half price to students. Call (02) 518-7343.