I Can’t Put It in Life Music That I Haven’t Lived
- SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Renowned pianist Seo Hye-kyung is marking six decades of performance with a series of relay concerts in Seoul throughout May.
- Seo belongs to the first generation of Korean pianists to gain international recognition.
- Seo reflected on how her experiences have shaped her playing.
Seo Hye-kyung Celebrates 60 Years with Seoul Concert series
Table of Contents
- Seo Hye-kyung Celebrates 60 Years with Seoul Concert series
- Seo Hye-kyung: A Celebration of Six Decades in Music
- Who is Seo Hye-kyung?
- What is Seo Hye-kyung celebrating?
- What are the key highlights of Seo Hye-kyung’s career?
- Where and when are Seo Hye-kyung’s anniversary concerts taking place?
- What pieces will be performed at the concerts?
- What does Seo Hye-kyung consider crucial in her approach to music?
- What advice does Seo Hye-kyung offer to young pianists?
- Seo Hye-kyung’s Key performances and Career Highlights
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Renowned pianist Seo Hye-kyung is marking six decades of performance with a series of relay concerts in Seoul throughout May. the 65-year-old artist, speaking at a press conference Tuesday at the Prugio Art Center, reflected on her journey, stating, “Art is not merely a technique; it is life deeply intertwined with time. I cannot capture a life I have not lived.”
A Pioneer on the World Stage
Seo belongs to the first generation of Korean pianists to gain international recognition. in 1980, at the age of 20, she achieved second place in a prestigious international competition, a first for an Asian pianist.
Anniversary concert Details
The commemorative concerts will be held at multiple venues:
- May 7: Ilshin Hall, Yongsan-gu
- May 13: Ilshin hall, Yongsan-gu
- May 21: Cosmos Art Hall, Seocho-gu
- May 27: Ilshin Hall, Yongsan-gu
Seo reflected on how her experiences have shaped her playing. ”Naturally, I possess a different depth now compared to when I played with youthful exuberance. My experiences as a mother and professor have enriched my understanding, and I remain committed to the world stage.”
Overcoming Adversity
In January 2008, Seo Hye-kyung captivated audiences with her performance of Rachmaninov’s Concerto Nos. 2 and 3 with the KBS symphony Orchestra at the Seoul Arts Center. This performance followed her diagnosis of breast cancer in 2006. She identifies this as the most meaningful performance of her career.
“I underwent 33 radiation treatments and six chemotherapy sessions. I battled depression. The performance offer came,and I played Rachmaninov 2 and 3. It was a defining moment, proving I could overcome any adversity. the audience was moved to tears.”
A Romantic at Heart
Seo describes herself as a pianist in the romantic style.
“Unlike string instruments, achieving a natural legato on the piano is challenging. It’s difficult to create a singing quality. Some young pianists today seem to prioritize spectacle over musicality. I strive for romanticism.”
Advice for Young Pianists
Seo offered advice to aspiring young pianists aiming for international careers: “The piano is a mysterious instrument; the more experience you have, the more beautiful the sound you can create. Don’t rely solely on technique to win.Competitions are just the beginning. Never become arrogant; always remember you are a beginner on a lifelong journey of pianism.”
Concert Program Highlights
The relay concert programs feature pieces that are especially meaningful to Seo. The programs include:
- Ryu Jae-jun’s Nocturne
- Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5
- Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1
- Paganini Rhapsody
- Rachmaninov’s “Saint-Saëns Variations”
- Mozart Piano Concerto No. 21 (with the Fleur ensemble on May 13)
Seo Hye-kyung: A Celebration of Six Decades in Music
Who is Seo Hye-kyung?
Seo Hye-kyung is a renowned 65-year-old pianist celebrating her 60th year of performing. She is a celebrated figure in the world of classical music, notably in South Korea.
What is Seo Hye-kyung celebrating?
Seo Hye-kyung is celebrating six decades of her career with a series of relay concerts in Seoul throughout May.
What are the key highlights of Seo Hye-kyung’s career?
Seo Hye-kyung’s career is marked by many accomplishments, including:
Pioneer: She belongs to the first generation of Korean pianists to achieve international recognition.
International Success: In 1980, at the age of 20, she achieved second place in a prestigious international competition—a first for an Asian pianist.
Overcoming Adversity: In 2008, she performed Rachmaninov’s Concerto Nos. 2 and 3 after battling breast cancer, identifying this as her moast meaningful performance.
Where and when are Seo Hye-kyung’s anniversary concerts taking place?
The commemorative concerts are being held at multiple venues in Seoul during May. Hear are the details:
May 7: Ilshin Hall, Yongsan-gu
May 13: Ilshin Hall, Yongsan-gu
May 21: Cosmos Art Hall, Seocho-gu
May 27: Ilshin Hall, Yongsan-gu
What pieces will be performed at the concerts?
The concert programs feature pieces that are particularly meaningful to Seo Hye-kyung. The program includes:
Ryu Jae-jun’s Nocturne
Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5
Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1
Paganini Rhapsody
Rachmaninov’s “Saint-Saëns Variations”
Mozart Piano Concerto No. 21 (with the fleur ensemble on May 13)
What does Seo Hye-kyung consider crucial in her approach to music?
Seo Hye-kyung identifies herself as a pianist in the romantic style. She strives for musicality,emphasizing the “singing quality” in her performances,creating a natural legato on the piano,which she acknowledges as challenging.
What advice does Seo Hye-kyung offer to young pianists?
Seo Hye-kyung offers the following advice to aspiring young pianists:
The piano is a mysterious instrument; experience increases the beauty of the sound.
Don’t rely solely on technique.
Competitions are just the beginning.
* Never be arrogant, always remember you’re a beginner on a lifelong journey.
Seo Hye-kyung’s Key performances and Career Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
| :———————- | :———————————————————————————————————————————————— |
| Recognition | First generation Korean pianist to gain international recognition. |
| Competition Achievement | Second place in an international competition in 1980 at age 20 – a first for an Asian pianist. |
| Memorable performance | Performing Rachmaninov’s Concerto Nos. 2 and 3 in 2008 after cancer treatment and depression. |
| Musical Style | Piano Romanticism focus on “singing quality” and “legato.” |
| Advice to Young Pianists | Experience over technique; competitions as a start; lifelong journey; humility. |
| Concert Series Pieces | Ryu Jae-jun’s Nocturne , Beethoven Piano Concerto no.5, Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1, Paganini Rhapsody, Rachmaninov’s “Saint-Saëns Variations,” Mozart Piano Concerto No. 21. |