Pianist Kim Jeong-won to perform reflections of his past, present, future

Pianist Kim Jeong-won performs during a press conference held at Yamaha Music Communication Center, Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of Kreis Classic

By Park Ji-won

Although Korea's market for classical music has grown larger, few classical musicians have reached the "fandom" level.

But Pianist Kim Jeong-won, 46, had fans from the early stages of his career; a loyal fandom, who have been eagerly supporting him since he was in his 20s when he advanced to the third round of the Chopin International Piano Competition in 2000 ― many of who still remain loyal.

Since his debut recital in Korea in 2001, Kim has taken a unique career path as a musician, taking various roles ranging from a pianist to a DJ.

Following completion of postgraduate studies at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna ― the youngest student ever to do so ― he went on to study at the Conservatoire National Superieur de la Musique de Paris. He performed as a pianist in the film "For Horowitz" (2006) and was a faculty member at Kyung Hee University from 2009 to 2017. He took on the role of artistic director for Naver's V Salon Concert and was DJ and resident artist of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts.

The musician, who has matured as a pianist over his 20 year career, will hold a recital here titled "Timeless; Boat of Time," reflecting on his past career and future journeys in music.

"Through the recital, I want to reflect on my path that I took over the past years and show what I have in mind trying to start a new journey for the future," Kim told reporters during a press conference, Tuesday.

"When I was young, like many other pianists, I was skillful and performed pieces by composers such as Chopin and Rachmaninov. I felt joy in playing complicated pieces ― But as I grow older, I relate more to simple but profound music like Schubert and Schumann which can show simplicity ― like eating more simple and healthy food without spices as we grow older."

He said that he often feels like he is in a rut as a pianist. But he came to the conclusion that despite those slumps, which sometimes give energy to life, he cannot live without music.

"When I turned 30, suddenly I questioned myself, why I had chosen to be a pianist as my job. I decided to become a pianist when I was six, and it didn't change. I realized that the joy from overcoming difficulties can give me energy, which sometimes works better than an ordinary life. I sometimes regret being a pianist, but I have lived this way until now ― I couldn't live without music. I adjusted my German playing style into the Russian style as it is less taxing for me."

Kim, also known for holding joint concerts, is set to present classical works including Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5 and Schubert's "Fantasia in F minor by Franz Schubert, D.940 (Op. posth. 103), for piano four-hands" with Lim Dong-hyek and Braham's Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor with Orchestra the Original, led by conductor Adriel Kim.

When asked the why he participates in such concerts with other musicians, he said, "Pianists, including myself, have an abnormal childhood as they spend a lot of time alone practicing piano in a practice room. I have always enjoyed being with others … While spending a lot of time with musician friends, I realized how good they are. And there has been a desire to introduce them to many people. I am ready to be able to collaborate with many talented musicians in the future."

The concert will be held at the Lotte Concert Hall, Dec. 10.

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