Interview with Yoonjung Han (Piano)

The Winner of 2007 International Web Concert Hall Competition

(Honorary Mention)

Tell us about your musical background?

My first experience on the piano comes from watching my mother practicing. She patiently taught me how to control and produce sound from the instrument. From very beginning, my mother has had the lasting effect on my music with extraordinary lessons to develop my own technique and a true sense spirit as a musician. Having such enormous support from my mom, I wanted to dedicate my life to music.

Among many influences that have shaped my musical career, my parents, friends, and school teachers especially had significant impacts. From my first teacher, my mother, I embraced the true spirit of playing the piano: from the very beginning what I always tried to identify from her was not how to sound like her, but to feel the true spirit of music making. She not only provided the best teaching, but arguably helped me to realize that I am free as much as my imagination. And this spiritual freedom was what I loved and enjoyed the most of playing the piano.

When you recall some of your teachers what are the first and best qualities you remember?

My mother once emphasized to her students and colleagues that every single moment of making music, whether by ourselves or with others, and for others, is an indescribable pleasure. Imagination, life experiences and sound creation, all can come together and directly influence the audience. My mother found that the music is something very beautiful and lovable in which people could not only get lost but also get out of mundane daily life. Her willingness to transform and influence the lives of people through music became my mission to become a musician.

Other than your mother, whom did you study piano?

My first teacher in the USA was Victoria Mushkatkol at the Juilliard pre-college. Studying with her was the most wonderful yet intense experience. Also I had my first chamber music group coached by her; I learned about communicating the music with others which was the most delightful part of the work of musicians.

with Victoria Mushkatkol

What do you hope to accomplish as a musician?
Maj Lind piano competition, Finland . Members; Violinist Annemarie Åström and cellist Markus Hohti
Many have not been exposed to classical music, especially the younger generation. I believe that it is musician’s responsibility to offer that opportunity to the next generation. There are others who even have negative attitude towards classical music. Such should be viewed as an opportunity to be a part of new efforts and energy to change that attitude and reach out to the new group of audience. I believe it is important responsibility for all musicians to try to create music that can demonstrate the power of classical music that can influence the lives of people. Therefore, I believe every musician should be moving towards that goal.

As a little girl, music was a way to communicate with others. Music is the universal language and the language of the soul. It is important to connect to the audience, not only with the pursue of one's artistry and virtuosity, but sharing personal feelings and encouraging the listeners to discover one's own path. The inspiration from all musicians I have met in the past had supported to set my goal: I want to find a way that I can have joy in music and share it with others.

Did you study any other musical instrument?

I come from a family that everyone valued playing the traditional Korean instruments. My siblings and I learned to play the Dan-So (Korean Clarinet) and Ka-Ya-Kum (12 strings Korean harp). Asian instruments are different from most western instruments we know. Korean performing arts culture has cultivated an impressive collection of musical instruments, each with unique voice to express sound. Korean music is not harmonized music. It doesn't have any arpeggios or chords. I’d say there is a similarity between Korean music and Jazz that both play around the beats and there are these suspended beats that tie across, leaving much room to improvise.

Do you have any hobbies?

I have been practicing Ballet for many years; it helps me to find the beauty of body movement as well as harmonizing with the music. In general, I experience broadening the artistic senses and emotions by simply being exposed to different types of arts.

New York Dance & Arts festival Gala concert
 

Web concert hall benefit?

The most important thing in the arts is communicating with the audiences. Performing a concert in a concert hall was the only way to communicate in the past. I think Web concert hall brings a large audience to come together without traveling and spending a great deal of time and money. Easily enjoying the music by internet is another opportunity to reach the public.

On be half of the Web Concert Hall, we would like to thank you for your time and we wish all the success.

Ms. Han received 1st prize in the Gina Bachauer Competition at Juilliard and Gold medal at the World Piano Competition in Cincinnati in 2008. 

South Korean Yoonjung Han has been widely acclaimed as a rising star in the piano world. At age 24, she has won top prizes from distinguished international competitions and the highest accolades for her poetic performances in major concert halls in the United States and around the world.

Gold medalist at the 2008 World Piano Competition in Cincinnati, Han won first prize at the Gina Bachauer at Juilliard. Her first gold medal was awarded at age 9, at the Samick Piano Competition in South Korea. In addition to gold medals at the Kosciuszko Chopin Competition, the Nena Wideman Piano Competition, and the Korea National Music Competition, she also garnered major prizes at the Helsinki Maj Lind International Piano Competition and Milan Concorso Pianistico Ettore Pozzoli Internaziole where she competed as the youngest pianist. Han was named the “Most Promising Young Artist” by the Korean Ministry of Culture, and recently won the 2009 Gawon Music Award as the “most brilliant pianist aged 17-31 of any nationality who possesses the most promising potential for global prominence.”

She has amassed audiences worldwide, appearing in major cities of the United States, Asia, and Europe. Her stellar performances have been heard in fine concert halls such as Carnegie Hall, Peter J. Sharp Theater, San Rocco Theater in Italy, Finlandia Hall in Finland, University of Florida, University of Houston, New York Dance & Arts Festival, Sejong Performing Arts Center in Korea, and Villa Bertramka Mozart Museum in Czech Republic. Her 2009/2010 engagements include a debut recital at the Lincoln Center′s Alice Tully Hall and performances at the Dame Myra Hess Concert Series in Chicago, Phillips Collection in Washington DC, Aronoff Center in Cincinnati, Caspary Auditorium at Rockefeller University, Steinway Hall in Dallas, and Sejong Concert Hall in Korea.

Yoonjung Han made her solo debut at age 13, performing the Beethoven 3rd Piano Concerto with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. She recently performed as a soloist with the Buffalo Philharmonic, Helsinki Philharmonic, Mississippi Symphony, Houston Symphony, Fort Collins Symphony, Shreveport Symphony, Jefferson Symphony, Banff Festival Orchestra, and I Pomeriggi Musicali di Milan, under such maestros as Joann Falletta, Leif Segerstam, and Lior Shambadal. Ms. Han has appeared on many TV and radio programs: WQXR New York and National Public Radio′s “Young Artist Showcases,” as well as WHYY Philadelphia, Houston Public Radio, WFMT Chicago, WRR Dallas, TV-Polmusic in Poland, and CBS, EBS in Korea. 

Han graduated from The Juilliard School Pre-College  and received her Bachelor’s degree from the Curtis Institute of Music. Han completed her Master of Music degree at The Juilliard School and is currently completing her Doctor of Musical Arts degree at SUNY Stony Brook. Her teachers include Robert McDonald, Victoria Mushkatkol, Eleanor Sokoloff, Min Kim, and Christina Dahl.

Contact Yoonjung: Iamyoonjung@gmail.com

Interviewed by Webconcerthall in November, 2007