Jose Carreras to Hold Recitals

Photos courtesy of Goyang Aram Nuri

Jose Carreras will hold three recitals across South Korea beginning Friday through May 12 -- not as a stopover of an Asian tour but in order to revisit the local audience.

``Korea is, for an artist, a wonderful pleasure. The tradition and knowledge here for classical music and opera are incredible,’’ the tenor said in a press meeting in Seoul, Wednesday. He was presiding over the jury at a recent Verdi Competition and 70 percent of the contestants were Korean, he explained, and prominent European and American orchestras have many Korean members.

``Going to Korea is something that any artist has to be proud of, and I am very proud to come to Korea. I came to your country for the first time in 1979, 30 years ago, and since then I had a wonderful, wonderful experience. It’s a privilege to come to your country,’’ said the Spanish singer, who, along with Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo, is considered one of the three great tenors of modern times.

``Yes, I keep in touch with Placido as often as we can,’’ he said, despite their different schedules and frequent travels, and plans on visiting him soon in London. ``Our friendship and our professional relationship are still there and I’m very happy to have it,’’ he added. On a more somber note, he said he greatly missed the late Pavarotti. ``We lost one of the most important tenors and singers of the history of opera. Not only that (…) we lost a wonderful friend, a very charismatic person, a very caring friend. It was a tremendous pleasure to not only work with him but to talk to him. He was a sensational guy,’’ he said.

Jose Carreras, center, and sopranos Fiona Campbell and Park Mi-hye

While Domingo, who also recently held an Asia recital exclusively in Seoul, is still active on the opera stage, Carreras said he prefers recitals, though he would accept an operatic role if the conditions are favorable. For the tour here, he will sing popular operatic arias and folk songs including ``Lamento di Federico’’ from the opera ``L’Arlesiana’’ and ``Lejana Tierra Mia,’’ joined by sopranos Park Mi-hye and Fiona Campbell. ``I will be singing `New Arirang,’ and as soon as I heard it I knew I would like Korea,’’ said Campbell about singing the traditional local song on her first visit here.

Meanwhile, Park, who took the stage opposite the tenor several times in Europe, said it was always a great honor to sing with someone who inspires not only with music but also with his personal triumph. In 1987 at the height of his success, Carreras was diagnosed with leukemia, but miraculously overcame the disease.

Fighting Leukemia

``Of course when someone gets a diagnosis for acute leukemia, this is very hard to swallow… You have possibilities: one is to be passive as a patient and let things go, the other thing is to fight with determination,’’ he said. When doctors told him he had ``the possibility of one in a million’’ to recover completely, he had to grab that chance and fight. ``I think this is absolutely indispensable,’’ he added.

(Ma questionne) ``Yes,'' music itself was inspirational -- ``a wonderful shelter,’’ he said. ``Music therapy is something doctors recommend to patients. Music always plays a very important role in our lives, not just for musicians but in the lives of everyone.’’ >>More

>>Read about Im Tae-kyung, a young Korean crossover tenor who also overcame leukemia.

Dresden Staatskapelle to Enliven Strauss in Seoul

This weekend classical aficionados can savor Richard Strauss in its original tongue through the definitive ``Strauss orchestra,'' Dresden Staatskapelle.

The 461-year-old troupe is wrapping up its Asia tour here with two programs dedicated to the tone poems of the German master.

``The force of this orchestra is (its) very high ethical understanding of his importance in music history and the will to preserve (its) truly unique sound,'' said maestro Fabio Luisi in an email interview. He said he was curious and excited to meet the local audience in his first visit to South Korea.

A highlight of the Saturday show at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, downtown Seoul, is the revival of ``Ein Heldenleben,'' Op. 40, which will end with a gentle violin solo according to Strauss' original intentions.

The following evening, Sejong Center's pipe organ, the largest in Asia, will resound for ``Also Sprach Zarathustra,'' which many will recognize as the grand thematic score of the movie ``2001 Space Odyssey.'' Also featured is the ``Burleske'' for Piano and Orchestra with Emanuel Ax.

``I chose the program in order to show, on the one side, the stylistic history of the Staatskapelle, which actually is the `Richard Strauss Orchestra,' and on the other side, to present the major characteristics of this orchestra, which are a beautiful, smooth sound and the ability to play and understand properly the Romantic repertoire,'' said the conductor.

Born in Genoa, Italy in 1959, Luisi originally taught and played piano. Conducting local operas lead to an international career, and his engagements include general music directorship of the Semperoper Dresden (Saxonian State Opera) and principal conductorship of the Vienna Symphony.

``Both opera and concert are important to me,'' he said. ``In the opera I have to conduct a work in which the stage plays an important role ― this is complicated but very interesting. In a concert I can focus on absolute music.''

In regard to conducting style, he said he admires Leonard Bernstein, Herbert von Karajan and Rudolf Kempe ― ``conductors who can equilibrate feeling and rationality.''

He regards Kempe's Strauss recordings as being ``still the best.'' ``Kempe gave some objectivity to the pompous element in Strauss. Today the trend is towards opulence again, and I much prefer the distanced opulence of Karajan and others to the exaggerated sensuality of some of my colleagues who are not interested in the truth of the work but only in packaging it nicely,'' he said in a statement released by Sony Classical.

As for the Dresden Staatsakapelle, he strives to preserve and develop the unique characteristics of one of the world's oldest ensembles. ``The Staatskapelle always was an orchestra that has given a break to young composers. These young composers used to be called Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss,'' he said, and aims to link in to this tradition by appointing Isabel Mundry and Bernhard Lang as composers in residence.

Tickets cost from 50,000 won to 250,000 won. Call (02) 399-1114~6.

Star Soloists Coming to Town

The local classical music scene will catch spring fever next month. In this high tide of concerts, however, there are several not to be missed featuring honored soloists such as pianists Martha Argerich and Emanuel Ax, and their protégé, Lim Dong-hyek, and cellist Jian Wang.

Emanuel Ax (Courtesy of Sejong Center)

While many fans were disappointed by the cancellation of tours by foreign troupes such as the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France and the Cincinnati, the Staatskapelle Dresden’s Strauss-themed Seoul concerts remain intact.

On May 9 and 10 at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, in downtown Seoul, Grammy Award-winning pianist Emanuel Ax will join the 461-year-old orchestra for Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Minor, Op.37, and Strauss’ ``Burleske’’ in D Minor for Piano and Orchestra.

Founded in 1548, the German troupe is the oldest in the world and has premiered works by great masters such as Vivaldi, Schumann, Wagner and Liszt, among others. Feted conductor Fabio Luisi will lead the group. Tickets cost from 50,000 to 250,000 won. Call (02) 399-1114~6.

Jian Wang
(Courtesy of Deutsche Grammophon)

Cellist Jian Wang is a leading artist, arising from post-Cultural Revolution China a generation before young stars like Yundi Li and Lang Lang.

Wang rose to worldwide fame at the age of 10 when he appeared in violinist Isaac Stern’s documentary ``From Mao to Mozart: Isaac Stern in China,’’ and has since appeared on the world stage alongside artists of renown such as Seiji Ozawa.

The cellist will appear May 14 at Seoul Arts Center for the second of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra’s ``Virtuoso’’ series. The Deutsche Grammophon-recording artist will play Dvorak’s Cello Concerto in B Minor, Op. 104. Conductor Scott Yoo, the music director of the Festival Mozaic in San Luis Obispo, Calif., will lead Korea’s leading ensemble for Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 13, ``Winter Daydreams.’’ Tickets cost from 10,000 to 50,000 won. Call (02) 580-1300.

Martha Argerich
(Courtesy of Deutsche Grammophon)

Martha Argerich, considered a living legend of classical music, will host part of her Beppu, Japan, music festival here May 24 at Seoul Arts Center.

Joining the music director are pianist Lim Dong-hyek, a protégé of Argerich, now studying under Emanuel Ax in New York, and conductor Sung Shi-yeon, the assistant conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Both were Korea Times 2008 Next Generation Artists. Another up-and-coming artist to take the stage is trumpeter Sergei Nakariakov.

Ensemble TIMF, of the Tongyeong International Music Festival, will accompany the artists. Lim will play Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G Major, while Argerich and Nakariakov will perform Schumann’s ``Fantasiestucke,’’ Op. 73, and Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 1 for Piano, Trumpet and Strings in C Minor, Op. 35, together. Tickets cost from 50,000 to 200,000 won. Call 1577-5266.

World Stars to Grace Stage in May

South Korean fans will be able to welcome international music icons Jose Carreras, Ennio Morricone, Sumi Jo and Dmitri Hvorostovsky next month.

Jose Carreras will hold a recital tour across Korea May 8-12. One of the three great tenors of the century, alongside Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo, the Spanish singer will grace Kyunghee University’s anniversary celebration in Seoul May 8 and perform at Cheonma Art Center in Daegu May 10, and, May 12, at Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Center for its second anniversary concert in Seoul’s satellite city of Goyang, in Gyeonggi Province.

The crystalline bell sound of his younger days has now taken on a deeper color, and the 62-year-old wowed local fans during his 2005 recital at Seoul Arts Center. Meanwhile, crossover tenor Im Tae-kyung is known for overcoming leukemia, and Carreras, too, has inspired many by conquering the disease and supporting others through his international leukemia foundation.

He will sing popular operatic arias and folk songs, and his partner conductor and nephew, David Gimenez, will conduct the Eurasian Philharmonic Orchestra for the Seoul and Daegu concerts while for the Goyang performance he will lead the Korean Symphony Orchestra, which recently provided the accompaniment for Domingo’s recital.

Tickets cost from 80,000 won to 220,000 won for Daegu (call 053-422-4224) and Kyunghee University (call 1588-7890) and from 40,000 won to 220,000 won for Goyang Aram Nuri Art Center (call 1577-7766).

In 2007, Ennio Morricone made an unforgettable concert debut here by conducting the timeless compositions that appeared in ``Cinema Paradiso,’’ ``The Mission’’ and ``The Legend of 1900.’’ The 80-year-old veteran of over 400 film soundtracks will revisit Korea to give two concerts May 26-27 at Olympic Park.

The Italian composer has been touring the world with the Gyor Philharmonic Orchestra, and will be joined by the Yoon Hak-won Chorale for the Seoul concerts. Esteemed director Park Chan-wook was quoted as once saying, ``While there may be people who have not seen his films, there is no one, in civilized modern society, who hasn’t heard his music. He is the J.S. Bach of today.’’

Details about the program have yet to be announced. Tickets cost from 50,000 won to 160,000 won. Booking in English is available at (02) 3444-9969.

Korea’s feted soprano Sumi Jo and Russia’s foremost baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky will perform for Seoulites May 28 and 30 at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, in downtown Seoul.

The concert, most appropriately titled ``Majestic,’’ brings together two of the most talented singers of the world, Jo, whom Herbert von Karajan complimented as having ``the voice from Heaven,’’ and Hvorostovsky, whose silvery voice graced all five of the world’s top opera houses.

Jo will sing the technically exigent aria ``Couplets de Mysoli’’ from the opera ``La Perle du Bresil,’’ among works, while Hvorostovsky will offer not only standard Italian operatic arias but a variation of French and Russian repertoires.

Ion Marin will conduct the Mostly Philharmonic. Tickets cost from 70,000 won to 200,000 won. Call (02) 3461-0976.

Seoul Arts Center Orchestra Fest Ends Tuesday

Seoul Arts Center’s 20th Orchestra Festival comes to a close with the Busan Philharmonic Orchestra (above), Tuesday, after three weeks of live, inspired music. Grand symphonic melodies filled the hall almost every night as maestri and soloists joined 16 of the country’s top ensembles. Each concert, almost always fully packed, was broadcast live on KBS FM radio.

The annual event brought internationally feted conductors in concert, including Spanish maestro Jesus Amigo; Baldur Bronnimann, the new principal conductor of the Colombian National Symphony; and Korean-Japanese helmer Kim Hong-je.

Youthful verve and virtuosity reigned, as young, up and coming musicians graced the stage.

On the opening night April 3, the Bucheon Philharmonic, led by maestro Choi Hee-chuhn, greeted concertgoers with a roar. Having worked with the Gyeonggi Province troupe for the opera ``L’Elisir d’Amore,’’ the Germany-based conductor inspired full bursting colors, which complimented the sweet melody of soloist Stefan Jackiw in Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E Minor. Two evenings later, scientist-cellist Koh Bong-ihn gave a silver-toned rendition of the Elgar Concerto while playing with his birth town’s Jeonju Symphony.

Another sell-out program was Friday’s event featuring the Suwon Philharmonic with pianist-conductor Kim Dae-jin and young pianist Lim Dong-min. While Lim told The Korea Times that he wasn’t happy with the performance, saying the harmony with the orchestra was far from perfect in the first movement of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1, he showed why he is one of the country’s most popular young artists with the crystalline tones in the singsong second movement.

The festival was also a special occasion for instruments such as the bassoon and harp to shine in the solo spot. It also gave an opportunity for new talent to take the big stage, including two young musicians selected through an open audition.

While there is no concert tonight, the Busan Philharmonic Orchestra will conclude the festival Tuesday with Alexander Anissimov at the baton. The honored Russian maestro, currently the principal conductor of the troupe, presents a program of Tchaikovsky, including ``Spanish Dance’’ from ``Swan Lake’’ and Symphony No. 4. Pianist Ian Yung-wook Yoo, who was featured in The Korea Times' 2008 Next Generation Classical Musician series, will appear as soloist for Piano Concerto No. 1. Tickets cost from 10,000 won to 30,000 won. Call (02) 580-1301.

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.

Evegny Kissin to Share Passion With Koreans

I love my job.

"...the reasons for love should remain a thing of mystery," Kissin on music.

Evgeny Kissin has returned to South Korea. The tall, pale-faced figure emerged before the press Wednesday in Seoul, softening his intense air with a bright smile and, with that unmistakable mound of dark, untamed curls, looking almost anachronistic in the image-obsessed, Mozart-meets-MTV era. Like his otherworldly presence, he seems to carry on the world on his own pace.

The 37-year-old pianist took the world by storm as a child prodigy and has since been ranked alongside Rubinstein and other historic artists. International competitions, the usual rite of passage for musicians, were never necessary _ ``yes, I have never participated in a concours, so I don’t know anything about them and they don’t concern me,’’ he said in a matter of fact manner. The people who are unable to forget him as a 12-year-old braving Chopin concertos don’t bother him either. ``Even though the human life span has become longer in the 21st century, there has to be a problem if people regard a mid-30-year-old as a child prodigy,’’ he said, throwing the room into a rumble of laughter. ``People who remember me 25 years ago do not concern me. The idea of a child prodigy is neither good nor bad, and it is in fact natural for an artist to show talents at an early age,’’ he said.

In his youth, Kissin flirted with composing, but now he concentrates on playing while occasionally transcribing some pieces of music for the piano. He gives less than 45 performances a year because he needs rests in between, which is not surprising. But even during his break, Kissin spends six to seven hours in front of the piano daily -- musical genius doesn’t appear out of thin air. It’s been a quarter of a century since his debut but he finds that music becomes increasingly difficult. ``My ideals become higher everyday,’’ he said.

On stage, he is famous for giving encores, up to 16 in Naples. In 2006, the Russian finally made his long-awaited debut here, and made certain that it was unforgettable with an hour-long encore of some 10 songs. When ticket sales opened in January for his recital Thursday, tickets sold out in less than five hours. Kissin said he always has three to four encore pieces ready but plays off the top of his head if the concertgoers want more.

``Ever since performing in Korea for the first time three years ago, I’ve been saying that Koreans are the most heated and passionate of audiences, even more so than Italians. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow’s performance,’’ he said. Other things Korean that left an impression include performances by maestro Chung Myung-whun and Korean-Russian soprano Nelly Lee, and ``bibimbap’’ (Korean mixed vegetable rice). Like his long encores, he spoke to reporters about music at length, speaking with long pauses and choosing his words carefully in his native tongue.

For this young maestro, music is a subject of unconditional passion and mystery. He chose a repertoire of Chopin and Prokofiev for the recital here, simply choosing what he likes. Is this is a treat for his staunch fans?

``It is a tribute to the composers, and it is about sharing something I like with the audience. I feel thankful if the listener thinks it is a gift to them,’’ he said. He is, however, unwilling to give a reason for his favorites. ``I hope to never be able to answer that, and I wish all of humanity would never be able to either, because the reasons for love should remain a thing of mystery,’’ he said.

For his music, he said he is inspired by other art forms and life itself, and thinks a lot about the actual ballet while playing Prokofiev’s ``Romeo and Juliet,’’ which he offers Korean fans tonight. Someone who spends a great deal of time listening to recordings at home, Kissin prepares for concerts by listening to relevant albums by other artists. For Prokofiev’s Piano Sonata No. 8, he strongly recommends the rendition by Elis Gilles, who premiered the very piece in 1944.

Kissin performs tonight at the concert hall of Seoul Arts Center. Call (02) 751-9606.

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

SAC Hosts Orchestra Festival Throughout April

Classical music aficionados may be disappointed by the cancellation of tours by many foreign orchestras, but performances by domestic troupes will be in full swing throughout April with the Seoul Arts Center’s annual Orchestra Festival featuring 17 top Korean ensembles.

Violinist Stefan Jackiw
/Courtesy of Seoul Arts Center

The 2009 program will take place April 3-21, beginning with the Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra. The opening night will feature violinist Stefan Jackiw, a noted Korean-American artist who is known here as a member of the popular chamber group Ditto and as the grandson of the famed writer Pi Cheon-deuk. The 17-day relay concert will continue with performances by a different orchestra each day.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the event, which began in 1989 with the opening of the center’s Concert Hall. It has developed into a major music festival that gathers top national artists in one place.

Expectations for the event are high, as top musicians will appear as soloists for concertos ranging from Brahms to Beethoven and Berlioz. Future leaders of classical music will participate, including up-and-coming pianist Kim Tae-hyung (Daejeon Philharmonic, April 4); cellist Koh Bong-ihn (Jeonju Philharmonic, April 5), who is balancing a medical career at Harvard with playing alongside artists like Yo Yo Ma; and Lim Dong-min, who is a star pianist here along with his brother Dong-hyek (Suwon Philharmonic, April 17).

Conductor Yeo Ja-kyung
/Courtesy of Seoul Arts Center

Also notable is that a prominent female conductor, Yeo Ja-kyung, has been invited to lead the KBS Symphony Orchestra, April 16, which is a first for the event. Other maestros such as Kim Hong-je (Ulsan Philharmonic, April 8), Jesus Amigo (Gyeonggi Philharmoinc, April 11) and Baldur Bronnimann (Seoul Philharmonic, April 13), will take the baton. Child-prodigy-turned-maestro pianist Ian Yung-wook Yoo will close the festival with the Busan Philharmonic, led by Alexander Anissimov, April 21.

For the first decade, the event helped to promote the growth of classical music in Korea, and the last decade was devoted to enhancing the performance level of individual musicians. In doing so, new talents across the country were discovered and these musicians matured and developed their own musical color over the years.

As such, two newcomers selected through the Guest Players Audition ― violinist Kim Hyun-gi and bassoonist Lee Min-ho ― will appear with the Seoul Philharmonic, April 13, and Changwon Philharmonic, April 14, respectively.

The performances will take place at the Concert Hall of the Seoul Arts Center. Tickets cost from 10,000 won to 30,000 won. Discounts are available for members of the Seoul Arts Center as well as for students and group reservations. For more information on the event, call (02) 580-1300 or visit www.sac.or.kr/eng (English).

Young Star Pianists to Go On Stage

Young, popular pianists will grace Seoul Arts Center this week ― Kim Sun-wook, 20, who is seen as a future leader of the Korean classical music world, will appear Friday with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra; Lim Dong-hyek, the 24-year-old with the following of a rock star, will perform Sunday with the Northern Sinfonia; and Evgeny Kissin, the 37-year-old Russian sensation, will perform a long-awaited recital for local fans on April 2.

>>Click for details

Piano Duo, Marathon Invite Fans

Among the myriad of piano concerts that take place in Seoul, there are two that particularly stand out:

Two Plus Two

Renowned pianist Moon Yong-hi, 60, and her husband Lee Dai-uk, 61, will host a piano concert, Thursday, at Myeongdong Cathedral in downtown Seoul. This is the couple’s first duo in seven years since their 2002 concert at Seoul Arts Center.

Moon is known as the first Korean professor at the prestigious Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University while her husband Lee splits his time teaching at Hanyang University and conducting the Ulsan Philharmonic Orchestra. The two often took to the stage together as soloist and conductor, so this will be a rare chance to hear their four hands together on the keyboard.

``As husband and wife and fellow musicians we have walked a long path together, and so we seem to know each other’s thoughts with a single glance or a single music note,’’ Lee was quoted as saying in an interview with Yonhap News. ``We hope to offer something more mature than seven years ago. My heart flutters to think I’ll be taking the stage with my life partner,’’ he said.

The two musical and life partners, however, differ drastically in terms of artistic temperament. Moon is considered a more detailed and passionate player, while Lee offers more serene, organic sounds. ``It is a great pleasure to visit each other in Korea and the United States, and to practice together on the piano and fine tune each other’s musical colors,’’ said Lee. ``We are at times at odds with each other for musical interpretations, but we overcome it to make beautiful, harmonious music.’’

The couple will play Schumann’s Six Etudes in Canon Form for Pedal Piano, Op. 56 and Messiaen’s ``Vision de l’Amen’’ for piano duo. It is expected to be a unique concert experience to hear the religious pieces in the cathedral, where the late Cardinal Stephen Kim Sou-hwan recently lay in state.

Tickets cost 30,000 won. Call (02) 706-1481. The couple will travel to the United States to perform at the Peabody Institute in April.

Classical All Night

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) Classic FM, the nation’s foremost classical music radio channel. It is also the 300th year since Italian cembalo inventor Bartolomeo Cristofori introduced the pianoforte in 1709. The 24-hour radio channel will celebrate its anniversary April 2 with a special marathon concert of Beethoven’s complete piano concertos.

From 7 a.m., April 2 to 3 a.m. the following morning, KBS will broadcast a special 18-hour show, including a live concert from KBS Hall in Yeouido (93.1 MHz on FM radio). From 7 to about 10:30 p.m., all five of Beethoven’s piano concertos will resound deep into the night.

Top Korean pianists will play the concertos: Han Dong-il (Concerto No. 5), Shin Su-jung (No. 4), Lee Kyung-sook (No. 3), Huh Seung-yeun (No. 2) and Julius Jeong-won Kim (No. 1). Suh Hyun-suk will conduct the Gangnam Symphony Orchestra.

KBS is accepting about 1,500 requests for admission to the concert hall through its Web site (http://www.kbs.co.kr/). Call (02) 781-3255.

Vivaldi Reigns in Seoul This Month

This past weekend, Sejong Soloists, the premier conductor-less ensemble whose fans include Hilary Rodham Clinton, celebrated its 15th anniversary with a vivacious rendition of ``The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.’’ In addition to Astor Piazzolla’s take on Vivaldi’s famous seasonal song, the original work by Vivaldi and other floral inspirations of the Baroque period will continue lightening up the new season.

>>Read more about the upcoming concerts by the Korean Chamber Orchestra, Musica Glorifica and other period musicians.

The Korea Chamber Orchestra is the oldest ensemble of its kind in the country and will participate in more European music festivals through 2011. Founded in 2002, Musica Glorifica has been introducing unfamiliar period pieces to the local classical music scene, including the Korean premiere of early 17th-century Italian songs, French court music and various cantatas. They have also released albums in Japan.

Violist O’Neill Set to Dazzle Fans

This guy has an amazing stage presence. I've also noticed his exquisite taste in shoes.

Violist Richard Yongjae O'Neill/Photo Courtesy of Credia

Violist Richard Yongjae O’Neill is back to show off a different musical streak. The 30-year-old star musician begins a cross-country tour this weekend to play tracks from his fourth solo album ``Mysterioso’’ (Archiv Produktion/Universal), a Baroque project with the renowned period ensemble Alte Musik Koln.

``If I were to find a main concept to tie all of the tracks together, I would have to say it is the sound world within which the piece exists,’’ said O’Neill in a statement. The album features Baroque classics like Corelli’s Violin Sonata No. 12 ``La Folia’’ and Vitali’s Chaconne in G minor _ which, based on manuscripts, are a special treat for period music purists.

For the recording, the artist modified his viola, a rare Giovanni Tononi from 1699, with gut strings, which are not wound like today’s synthetic steel ones, and used a baroque bow. ``The timbre of the viola is even more mellow, rich and gentle, with gut strings. I am sure that any listener will be able to tell right away how different and mysterious the tone color is,’’ he said.

To capture the life and energy of the pieces, he paid heed to articulations of notes, tempi and hierarchy of beats. The style indeed contrasts sharply with the poeticism of O’Neill’s earlier albums, but his way of liberating a controlled gust of lush emotion and whirlwind colors remains unchanged.

``As classical musicians, we dedicate our whole lives to the pursuit of deepening our knowledge and understanding of the great masterpieces of the great composers of all time… Baroque period practice affects so much of what we do in later periods, including the work of Mozart and Brahms. Those composers had deep respect of the Baroque,’’ he said.

After entering the public spotlight through a TV documentary as the loving son of a Korean adoptee, the violist has been captivating fans with his music. In addition to his best-selling albums and sold-out performances, O’Neill’s stardom was manifested in appearances in the sensational TV soap ``Beethoven Virus’’ and a fashion-icon award ceremony alongside movie stars.

One of the few violists to receive the Avery Fisher Career Grant and a Grammy nomination, O’Neill studied at the Juilliard School in New York. While appearing in various halls, he also teaches at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Read my previous interview with Mr. O'Neill. He also published an essay on classical music.

Pianist Yundi Li Back After 6 Years to Give Recitals

Photo courtesy of Deutsch Grammophon

I absolutely love this guy -- his coolheaded phrasings and refined elegance particularly when playing the most stormy pieces. His rendition of Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No.2, one of my all time favorite works of music, blew me away. I'm so excited he's coming!

Pianist Yundi Li may not have the Mozart-meets-MTV appeal of Lang Lang, who is also 26 and Chinese. But he is nevertheless something of a young Elvis Presley in the world of classical music, as he steals the hearts of fans with his poetic sensibility and boyish visage.

South Korean fans have waited six years for another recital by the superstar, who has been busy touring Europe and North America. Li finally returns to give concerts Sunday at Goyang Aram Nuri, Gyeonggi Province, followed by Seoul Arts Center Feb. 18.

``Traveling long distance can be tiring, but the anticipation of meeting a new audience in a new country and city always greatly excites me and relieves the stress,'' he told The Korea Times in an e-mail interview. ``I'm really looking forward to my recitals in Korea!''

Fans awaited Li's return all the more after seeing his recent ``affairs'' with new styles. In his latest recording for Deutsch Grammophon, the pianist presented an elegant rendition of Prokofiev's fearsome Piano Concerto No. 2. His performance of the piece in Seoul last year received critical acclaim.

For the upcoming recitals, the young Romantic returns to his signature repertoire of Chopin. He shot to stardom by winning the 14th Chopin International Piano Competition in 2000. Aged 18 at the time, he was the youngest ever winner, the first Chinese champ as well as the first to claim the event's top prize in 15 years. >>More

Placido Domingo to Dazzle Korean Fans

(Photo/Credia)
This guy is like Christmas: he really spreads the happy virus around. I loved asking him questions!

He inspired 101 curtain calls lasting 75 minutes in Vienna and a 300-kilogram statue in Mexico City. It is Placido Domingo, and he is back in Korea.

``Every morning, I wake up and it's a great feeling to know I can still sing,'' said the maestro about the prospects of retiring in a press meeting held at the Grand Intercontinental Hotel, Monday. He has no concrete plans to retire, though it ``certainly is closer.''

``The thing I can guarantee is I won't make the mistake of singing one more day than I could, or singing one day less than I could,'' he said. He also plans to remain a tenor until the end, even though he has assumed baritone opera roles

Domingo turns 68 on Jan. 21 and celebrates the 40th anniversary of his debut March 15. The latter coincides with the 105th anniversary of the NY Met -- double celebrations for him!. >>More

Young Maestros Yannick Nezet-Seguin, Li Yundi to Take Center Stage

Conductor Yannick Nezet-Seguin /Photo courtesy of CMI

This is the 14th in a series of interviews with the next generation of classical musicians ― ED

Youthful musicians are making their way to Korea. Thirty three-year-old conductor Yannick Nezet-Seguin and Chinese ``superstar'' Li Yundi, 26, will perform in Seoul June 25.

``I am 33. Working with the best orchestras and going to all the great countries, including Korea, I mean, I am living my own dream,'' said Nezet-Seguin in an e-mail interview. He knew he wanted to become a conductor at age 10, and he is visiting Seoul as the new principal conductor of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra.

``This is my first big tour. Rotterdam Philharmonic is an orchestra that is very, very special in the European landscape. (It possesses an) extraordinary energy and you don't find this always in other orchestras. It's important to show the world what we are able to do,'' he said.

The concert will be a rare treat for local concertgoers, as it features Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 2. Li recently recorded a deeply affecting, lyrical rendition of the concerto with the Seiji Ozawa-led Berlin Philharmonic (Deutsche Grammophon).


Pianist Yundi Li/Photo courtesy of CMI

``(Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 2) is different and special. Not so many people play it, unlike Prokofiev 3rd,'' said Li in an email. ``Yet, it is a wonderful work. The technique side especially is challenging and different, with two cadenzas in the first and last movements.''

Maestro Ozawa hailed the pianist for his technical brilliance and rare display of poeticism. Nezet-Seguin, a concert pianist himself, also gave his compliments. ``The concerto is known for its difficulty. Prokofiev composed this piece when his friend committed suicide. Yundi made it easy to listen to, exhibiting a great sense of energy throughout. He is able to sustain the energy and transmit it to the audience,'' he said, adding how he's happy to have a new friend as well.

``I performed with (Nezet-Seguin) in Canada and he surely is a special conductor,'' said Li. ``Both being young artists, I want to try some special project with him in the future.''

At 18, Li became the world's youngest and China's first winner of the 14th Frederick Chopin International Piano Competition. But that would be his last competition. ``Competition is a challenge for a young artist to start as a musician. After (Chopin) I was able to start my professional career, such as recording,'' he said. Li went on to make critically acclaimed Chopin and Liszt albums (Decca and Deutsche Grammophon). He has a solid fan base here and gave two Romantic concerts. The Prokofiev signals a new repertoire.

Also included in the program is Ravel's ``La Valse.'' The French music reflects a new direction for the Rotterdam Philharmonic under Nezet-Seguin, a French-Canadian. Called a ``young Simon Rattle'' (the maestro also conducted the Rotterdam Philharmonic in his youth), he succeeds Valery Gergiev.

About succeeding ``the master and genius Gergiev,'' he said, ``I am now responsible but I try to keep the great tradition of this fantastic orchestra. But I will also try to broaden the repertoire.'' >>More

Ensemble Ditto Storms Across Korea

The ultimate boy band of the classical music world.

Members of the ensemble Ditto from left: pianist Lim Dong-hyek, 24; violinists Stefan Jackiw, 23, and Johnny Lee, 29; cellist Patrick Jee, 30; double bassist DaXun Zhang, 28; and violist Richard Yongjae O'Neill, 29. This photo is also part of their modeling campaign for Theory Korea. / Courtesy of Credia

Last year, a group of young men took the local music scene by storm. At chamber group Ditto’s Seoul concerts, die hard fans darted for the door before the last song came to an end so they could line up for autographs. They’re like the Shinhwa of the classical music scene.

Ditto is back for their second season, which is expected to be ``bigger and better,’’ said violinist Johnny Lee, 29, at the opening night performance Wednesday in Seoul’s hip Hongdae area.

The chamber group has certainly gotten bigger, with pianist Lim Dong-hyek, 24, violinist Stefan Jackiw, 23, and double bassist Daxun Zhang, 28, joining Lee, violist Richard Yongjae O’Neill, 29, and cellist Patrick Jee, 30.

Mozart’s Duo for Violin & Viola K.423 and Beethoven’s ``Razumovsky’’ String Quartet No. 9 filled the small hall where indie rock bands usually perform. Dressed comfortably in jeans, the young musicians conversed afterward with their mostly female fans. When asked if they had girlfriends, Jackiw exposed his single status and the crowd shrieked with excitement.

Jackiw, who, apart from being an up and coming artist in the United States, is noted here for being the grandson of celebrated writer Pi Chun-duk. ``I’ve read both his essays and his poems and spent a lot of time with him in the summer. He was a fan of classical music and we talked a lot about literature and paintings… Spending time with him and talking about music influenced my music,’’ he said, adding that he learned about great musicians like Herbert von Karajan and Anne-Sophie Mutter through him.

Outside the hall, large posters and stationary featuring the youthful members were on sale _ rather than CDs. While there is sharp criticism about the overly commercial ``star’’ marketing tactics, the group’s public appeal is incontestable. Au contraire to stereotypes that chamber music is boring, the group secured a tour across nine cities, beginning with Daejeon on Sunday all the way down to Busan (June 20), then back in Seoul (June 28) and finally Inchoen (July 2).

Ditto is recognized for reaching out to a wider audience, and the tour includes stopovers at elementary schools in Busan and Daegu. Many non-classical music fans learned to appreciate the genre because of these Korean and Asian-American musicians, indicated by the group’s online fan community. Fans flocked to Hoam Art Center for Lee and Jee’s recitals Thursday and Friday, and concertgoers kept glancing back during breaks as other Ditto members were seated at the rear.

Chamber music seems to invigorate the members’ lives as well. ``I usually get really nervous about going onstage, but chamber music relieves me of that kind of stress. In addition to making great music, I’m just excited about working and hanging out with guys my age,’’ said Lim, who is receiving positive feedback on his newly released album (Bach’s ``Goldberg Variations,’’ EMI). ``Plus, I don’t have that many guy friends so this is very nice,’’ he laughed. The pianist cooked doenjang jjigae (bean curd stew) for the members in his New York apartment.

Lee, the only ethnic Korean member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, said although June is vacation for him, playing with Ditto ``doesn’t feel like working.’’ Jee also expressed his excitement about collaborating with good friends.

The highlight of the group’s program this year is Schubert’s Piano Quintet ``The Trout.’’ The Austrian composer wrote it when he was 22, and classical music legends like pianist Daniel Barenboim, violinist Itzhak Perlman, violist Pinchas Zukerman, cellist Jacqueline du Pre and double bassist Zubin Mehta jammed onstage together for the piece in their youth.

O’Neill said he thought long and hard about deciding on a piece that would be satisfying for a diverse audience, including both fans and people who don’t know much about classical music.

The Seoul performances will take place at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., June 28, at the Seoul Arts Center near Nambu Bus Terminal station on subway line 3. Call 1577-5266.

``Ditto'' is also the title of the book violist O'Neill wrote.

OSM Performs With Nagano in Seoul

Conductor Kent Nagano, left, artistic director of the Orchestre Symphonic de Montreal, and violinist Choi Ye-eun appear at a press conference in Seoul Thursday. The Canadian orchestra gave a concert in Korea for the first time in 11 years Friday and gives its second performance featuring a solo by Choi at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts Saturday afternoon. /Yonhap

The Orchestre Symphonique de Montreal (OSM, Montreal Symphony Orchestra), helmed by conductor Kent Nagano, performed in Korea for the first time in 11 years Friday. The Canadian ensemble, turning 75 years old next year, celebrates its North American roots and European inspiration in a special tour of South Korea and Japan.

OSM gives its second concert 5 p.m., Saturday, at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in northern Seoul.

``Korea has a long history of thousands of years, and 75 is really a short period of time. Also hwere I live part time in Europe, 75 years is really recent history. But for America, this is very old,’’ the conductor told reporters at a press meeting Thursday in his first visit to the country.

``During these 75 years, we’ve had good fortune to have many interesting and strong artistic voices in our music directorship,’’ said Nagano, who succeeds maestros Zubin Mehta and Charles Dutois among others as artistic director of the OSM.

On Friday, the OSM gave festive performances of the French and German masters, with Berlioz’s ``Symphony Fantastique,’’ the prelude from Wagner’s opera ``Tristan and Isolde’’ and Ravel’s ``Bolero.’’

The program reflects the musical history of both Nagano and the OSM. The 57-year-old, a native of California, has served as music director of Opera de Lyon in France and principal conductor/artistic director of the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester in Berlin, Germany. ``(The OSM has) the technical brilliance we usually associate with North American orchestras… yet they have the sensitivity and aesthetics of a European orchestra,’’ said the conductor.

Following Dutois’ tenure, the OSM took on a strong French color, and Nagano said he spent the past two years introducing a more diverse repertoire, particularly the German literature of Beethoven, Wagner and Strauss.

The Nagano-helmed OSM is also known for premiering contemporary works, notably the award-winning opera ``Alice in Wonderland’’ by Chin Unsuk (aka. Unsuk Chin) last year and ``Rocana’’ by the Korean composer last month in Montreal and New York.

``My friendship with Unsuk Chin is a special one,’’ he said, adding that he has ``great admiration for her music.’’ ``She is one of the most talented composers of her time.’’ He joked that while great talent doesn’t always guarantee a good personality, Chin has the ``special bonus’’ of being a ``great person,’’ drawing laughs from the room. He also said he felt ``guilty because I asked so many new pieces from Ms. Chin.’’ Next week, Nagano will be performing ``Rocana’’ with the Chicago Symphony.

Saturday, the OSM will revive nature-inspired music: Debussy’s ``La Mer,’’ Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3 and Strauss’ ``Ein Alpensinfonie’’ (An Alpine Symphony). Promising young violinist Choi Ye-eun will appear as soloist.

``I’m very honored to play with such a great ensemble in my home country,’’ said the 19-year-old, who currently studies in Berlin with the support of the Anne-Sophie Mutter Foundation. This is her second time playing with the OSM. The first was when she was 15, as the youngest ever winner of the 2003 Montreal International Musical Competition.

``We really met for the first time yesterday when we rehearsed yesterday,’’ said Nagano about meeting Choi, though the two had crossed paths last month in Bavaria. ``I must say the rehearsal was a very joyous one and we were all very delightful,’’ he said, adding that Choi’s teacher Ana Chumachenko also taught the OSM’s concertmaster.

As for the future direction of the orchestra, Nagano said he will focus on trying to realize its great musical potential and illuminate its special character, which he described as being ``a strong, colorful personality.’’

Tickets cost 10,000-200,000 won. Call (02) 6303-1919 for inquiries and 1588-7890 or 1544-1555 for reservations.

The OSM’s performance is the 10th of the Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation’s World Orchestra series following the New York Philharmonic’s historic tour of the two Koreas in February. In November, the Berlin Philharmonic, conducted by Simon Rattle, will perform.

>>Read my interview with violinist Choi Ye-eun

Sumi Jo, Rising Stars Tour Korea

I got to hear her so close-up! She is "yeoksi" very glamorous, and knows how to play the press and pose for the camera.

Soprano Sumi Jo and rising opera stars sing during a press showcase in Seoul for the concert series ``Sumi Jo & Winners,’’ Thursday. From left, Suh Jung-hak, Son Ji-hye, Kang Hyung-kyu and Sumi Jo. /Korea Times photo

Prime coloratura soprano Sumi Jo has returned to her homeland to helm the next generation of Korean opera stars in the cross-country concert tour ``Sumi Jo & Winners,’’ from Busan to Seoul through Jan. 3, 2008.

``I’ve been looking forward to this since my world tour last year (celebrating 20 years since my international debut),’’ said the 45-year-old diva during a press meeting in Seoul, Thursday. ``These young artists are joining me on my longtime journey. We need to establish a support system for musicians, especially given that we put Korea’s reputation on the line.

``There are so many young artists leading active careers abroad. They have such bright futures and need to be taken notice of,’’ said Jo. ``I wanted to support them and sing less than I was scheduled to, but that was apparently a problem with selling tickets,’’ she added with a laugh.

Joining the prima donna onstage are award-winning singers who are playing principal roles in the international music scene: soprano Son Ji-hye, mezzo soprano Lee A-kyeong, tenors Lee Jeong-won and Chung Ho-yoon, and baritones Kang Hyung-kyu and Na Myung-won.

``There is a lot of striking Korean talent in Europe, and I often hear people say that Sumi Jo is the best,’’ said Kang Hyung-kyu, who has been leading an active career in Italy for 10 years now. ``I believe we were given such opportunities because (Jo) paved the path for us,’’ he said. Lee Jeong-won, for example, is the first Korean tenor to debut at the famed Italian La Scala Theater.

Jo herself was a discovery of German maestro Herbert von Karajan, who said she possesses a ``voice from the heavens’’ that appears every once in a 100 years or so. Jo also announced her five-year contract with Universal Music Korea, which she said is like ``returning home in 20 years.’’ Jo had recorded ``Un Ballo in Maschera’’ with Karajan in 1988 (Decca) as well as ``Carnival.’’ A crossover album of international folk songs is slated for release next December.

The opera gala concert showcases well-known arias from the standard operatic repertoire, including Rossini’s ``Il Barbiere di Siviglia,’’ Bizet’s ``Carmen,’’ Verdi’s ``Rigoletto’’ and ``La Traviata’’ and Puccini’s ``Turandot.’’ ``Even those unfamiliar with classical music or operas will be able to enjoy it,’’ said Jo.

The remaining schedule is as follows. Dec. 24: Daegu Suseong Artpia (www.ssartpia.or.kr); Dec. 27: Seongnam Arts Center (www.snart.or.kr); Dec. 29: Suwon Gyeonggi Arts Center (www.ggac.or.kr); Dec. 30: Busan Cultural Center (bsculture.busan.kr); Dec. 31: Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex (www.artgy.or.kr); Jan. 3, 2008: Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Seoul (www.sejongpac.or.kr).
Tickets cost from 70,000 won to 150,000 won. For reservations, visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or www.interpark.com. For more information about the concert, call (02) 3461-0976.

Cellist Yang Sung-won: "Completing" Beethoven On & Off Stage

(Korea Times Photo by Shim Hyun-chul)

Having recently released the country’s first recording of Beethoven’s complete cello sonatas, cellist Yang Sung-won and pianist Pascal Devoyon will give a rare marathon performance in Seoul, Nov. 4, along with shorter concerts in other cities. Before the two musicians begin their cross-country concert tour, Yang sat down with The Korea Times to discuss music and life, and stepping toward his dreams, in a coffee shop near a Seoul park. Tuesday.

Beethoven’s cello pieces are the first sonatas in the history of music to treat the cello as an equal partner for the piano. Recording the deaf maestro’s complete sonatas is meaningful in that one can ruminate the very essence of his life and works.

``For both Pascal and I, this kind of project (signifies) approaching one or two steps closer to our dreams. (Beethoven’s) pieces are like utopia -- you read about it, you study about it, perform it and you understand the piece. You can have your own utopia in your mind,’’ said the 40-year-old, with eyes glimmering. ``And when you’re performing it, the reality always walks along with us.’’

Yang is internationally renowned as a soloist and chamber musician, performing in prestigious concert halls in all corners of the world. A graduate of the Paris Conservatory and Indiana University, he currently lives in Seoul and teaches at Yonsei University School of Music.

``When the project came up (working with Pascal Devoyon) was an obvious and evident choice because our musical goals are in the same direction,’’ he said. Yang and Devoyon have been well acquainted, having attended music festivals together in France and Korea for the past six or seven years.

``And Pascal is somebody that I respect and admire a lot, as a pianist, as a musician and above all as a scholar as well,’’ said the cellist. Devoyon is a renowned pianist, appearing on stage with major world orchestras. He received the French government’s prestigious l’Ordre du merite as Chevalier in 2001 and currently teaches at the Berlin University of the Arts.

Beethoven’s five sonatas represent all of what is commonly considered his three periods, from the Classic period, when he was searching to find his own identity to get away from the shadow of Mozart and Hayden, and to have his own musical world; from the Romantic period, when Beethoven achieved his highest artistic goals; and finally the Spiritual period, ``where he really reaches out in his inner feelings and translates that into the art, which is called music,’’ said Yang.

When asked about what music means to him, he said, ``I was born in a musical family,’’ and explained that his father and older brother were both violinists. ``So from as far as I can remember back, we’ve had music in the house.

``Obviously, it’s my profession, but it’s a profession that I cannot live without.’’ Yet, he pointed out that as a performer it is a ``a constant challenge,’’ explaining that ``when the composer has completed his piece, for me that’s 50 percent complete. It’s exactly at the moment we’re performing it’s being complete… It’s our duty to be up to the level of the pieces we’re completing. In other words we try our best.’’

Despite having award winning recordings and a string of critically acclaimed performances under his belt, the cellist was very humble and emphasized repeatedly the importance of being earnest and keeping in shape.

Marathon Concert

Classical music buffs should not miss this occasion to spend almost half a day at an art hall, with two and a half hours -- plus alpha -- of Beethoven. Music critic Yoo Hyeong-jong will give the audience a brief historical background about Beethoven’s time and insight about the maestro as a human being. After an hour of the first two sonatas, a 15-minute intermission and the third piece, the audience can go on a one-hour dinner break to come back for the last two sonatas. The Mozart and Handel variations are ready as encore pieces, said Yang, if the audience is still willing to listen. So make sure to cheer on.

``There’s nothing to be scared of, to either digest the music they hear or rest a bit,’’ added Yang. ``We very much hope the audience will be actually witnessing the work being completed, and share with them -- I say share because we’re not just giving it to them, we’re playing for ourselves, too,’’ he said with a big hearty laugh.

The marathon performance will take place at LG Art Center, southern Seoul, beginning 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3. Tickets cost 30,000 won-60,000 won. The hall is located near exit 7 of Yeoksam subway station on line 2. Call (02) 2005-0114 or visit www.lgart.com for reservations and information.

Yang and Devoyon will give three shorter performances outside of Seoul, Monday, Oct. 29, 7:30 p.m., at Gimhae Art & Sports Center (www.gasc.or.kr); Wednesday, Oct. 31, 7:30 p.m., at Daegu Suseong Artpia (ssartpia.or.kr); and Tuesday, Nov. 6, 11:00 a.m. at Changwon Sungsan Art Hall (www.sungsan.or.kr). The repertoire will vary for each performance, so visit the Web sites for each respective concert hall near you. You can also call (02) 2187-6222.

Yang and Pascal will take their marathon concert to Japan next spring, but it will be a two-day concert this time.