Hyeyoung Song, Pianist

November 13, 2023

Hyeyoung Song inducted into Steinway & Sons Music Teacher Hall of Fame

Filed under: News — admin @ 9:47 pm

ASTORIA, NEW YORK – Pianist and teacher Dr. Hyeyoung Song has been inducted into the Steinway & Sons Music Teacher Hall of Fame, a prestigious designation recognizing the work of North America’s most committed and passionate piano educators.

Song has long established herself as a “pianist of exquisite sensitivity, with a warm, expressive, yet powerful tone.” Her collaboration with Steinway Piano Gallery Texas and Weatherford College has afforded her the opportunity to create opportunities for the Weatherford community and especially to her home country of South Korea.

Steinway Piano Gallery Texas nominated Song for the Hall of Fame to recognize her compassion for excellence as a performer and educator who has set the standard for the next generation of pianists and music educators.

This fall, 67 teachers from the United States and Canada were inducted into the Steinway & Sons Music Teacher Hall of Fame with special events hosted at the historic Steinway factory in New York City. Teachers were selected for this award for their outstanding instruction and leadership in acoustic piano education and their commitment to teaching in their community for over a decade. Each teacher inducted into the Hall of Fame is part of the Steinway Teacher & Educational Partner Program and was nominated by a Steinway & Sons showroom in the teacher’s home region. The teachers’ names are now displayed on a commemorative display wall inside the iconic factory.

“Music education has been a cornerstone of our historic company since the late 1800s, and today is no different,” said Gavin English, president of Steinway & Sons Americas. “We are very proud to work with the talented music educators inducted this fall into the Steinway & Sons Music Teacher Hall of Fame. These teachers foster passion, creativity, and discipline in the next generation of piano artists. Their work deserves the highest praise.”

The Steinway Teacher & Educational Partner Program is designed for piano instructors and affiliated studio partners to enhance their relationship with Steinway & Sons and to further support their piano instruction. By becoming a Steinway Teacher & Educational Partner, teachers receive several benefits and unique opportunities including access to workshops, concerts, masterclasses, and various special events as well as the opportunity for the prestigious designation of being inducted into the Steinway & Sons Music Teacher Hall of Fame.

https://www.weatherforddemocrat.com/news/hyeyoung-song-inducted-into-steinway-sons-music-teacher-hall-of-fame/article_649b197c-77fd-11ee-a296-6b2615dc36ca.html

May 26, 2023

Song to be inducted into Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame

Filed under: News — admin @ 10:30 am

  • By Crystal Woerly Special Contributor
  • May 26, 2023
Hyeyoung Song
Hyeyoung Song, master pianist and artist-in-residence at Weatherford College, has been selected for induction to the Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame.Courtesy | Weatherford College

    

Dr. Hyeyoung Song, master pianist and artist-in-residence at Weatherford College, has been selected for induction to the Steinway & Sons Teacher Hall of Fame. The honor recognizes piano teachers for their commitment and passion for piano education.

“Your passionate commitment to teaching and inspiring young people in their study of piano music is commendable and rare,” wrote Gavin English, president of Steinway & Sons America in a letter to Song. “Through your efforts, you help students lay the foundation for a lifetime of musical and artistic expression.”

She is invited to attend an early October induction ceremony at the historic New York Steinway factory. Former award recipient Dr. Richard Fountain from Wayland Baptist University said winners are treated like royalty on their visit.

Song is an active performer who has concertized extensively throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. She has worked at WC since 2007 and is the creator of the Weatherford College International Piano Competition.

https://www.weatherforddemocrat.com/news/song-to-be-inducted-into-steinway-sons-teacher-hall-of-fame/article_6e8bd068-fb46-11ed-8968-5f742dc57fd0.html

March 1, 2018

‘Duo Azul’ to perform in Memorial Hall Feb. 15

Filed under: News — admin @ 11:10 am

‘Duo Azul’ to perform in Memorial Hall Feb. 15

Posted on February 12, 2018

Duo Azul, made up of American pianist Amy E. Gustafson and Korean pianist Hyeyoung Song, will offer a concert entitled “Journey through the Spiritual Realm” at Erskine College Thursday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. in Memorial Hall. The program will include works by Bach, Saint-Saens, Gounod, Liszt, and Rubinstein.

Duo Azul’s performances feature the four-hand and two-hand piano repertoire. Gustafson and Song met in Austin, Texas while both were completing doctoral degrees at the University of Texas. The Duo’s first performances were in 2010 in Texas, and they have performed together frequently ever since.

Amy Gustafson is the daughter of Erskine President Dr. Robert Gustafson and his wife Marjorie Graham Gustafson. She studied at the Manhattan School of Music, New York University, and the University of Texas at Austin, and has performed across the United States and Europe. She has won numerous awards, including second prize in the International Young Artists Piano Competition. In addition to her performing career, she serves as teaching artist at Bloomingdale School of Music in New York City, executive director of the Gijón International Piano Festival, and vice president and treasurer of the Spanish American Music Council.

Hyeyoung Song has performed extensively throughout the States and Korea. She has won the top prizes in competitions including the Janice K. Hodges Contemporary Piano Competition, the International Chopin Piano Competition in Corpus Christi, Texas, the Sydney Wright Accompanying Competition, and the Ewha University Concerto Competition. The recipient of a Teaching Excellence Award from the University of Texas at Austin, she has been invited to present recitals and master classes at many universities and music festivals. She serves as artist in residence at Weatherford College in Texas.

For more information on Duo Azul, please visit www.duoazul.com.

http://news.erskine.edu/duo-azul-to-perform-in-memorial-hall-feb-15/

February 23, 2018

‘Duo Azul’ to perform in Memorial Hall Feb. 15

Filed under: News — admin @ 4:52 pm

‘Duo Azul’ to perform in Memorial Hall Feb. 15

Posted on February 12, 2018

Duo Azul, made up of American pianist Amy E. Gustafson and Korean pianist Hyeyoung Song, will offer a concert entitled “Journey through the Spiritual Realm” at Erskine College Thursday, Feb. 15, at 7 p.m. in Memorial Hall. The program will include works by Bach, Saint-Saens, Gounod, Liszt, and Rubinstein.

Duo Azul’s performances feature the four-hand and two-hand piano repertoire. Gustafson and Song met in Austin, Texas while both were completing doctoral degrees at the University of Texas. The Duo’s first performances were in 2010 in Texas, and they have performed together frequently ever since.

Amy Gustafson is the daughter of Erskine President Dr. Robert Gustafson and his wife Marjorie Graham Gustafson. She studied at the Manhattan School of Music, New York University, and the University of Texas at Austin, and has performed across the United States and Europe. She has won numerous awards, including second prize in the International Young Artists Piano Competition. In addition to her performing career, she serves as teaching artist at Bloomingdale School of Music in New York City, executive director of the Gijón International Piano Festival, and vice president and treasurer of the Spanish American Music Council.

Hyeyoung Song has performed extensively throughout the States and Korea. She has won the top prizes in competitions including the Janice K. Hodges Contemporary Piano Competition, the International Chopin Piano Competition in Corpus Christi, Texas, the Sydney Wright Accompanying Competition, and the Ewha University Concerto Competition. The recipient of a Teaching Excellence Award from the University of Texas at Austin, she has been invited to present recitals and master classes at many universities and music festivals. She serves as artist in residence at Weatherford College in Texas.

For more information on Duo Azul, please visit www.duoazul.com.

http://news.erskine.edu/duo-azul-to-perform-in-memorial-hall-feb-15/

June 24, 2017

The 15th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition

Filed under: News — admin @ 6:23 pm

It was a joyful experience that I could be a part of the 15th Van Cliburn Piano Competition as a critic and press member. Congratulations to all the wonderful young pianists! 

KakaoTalk_Photo_2017-06-01-09-01-06_51 18839818_1444046592319901_7084596408268359384_o   19388345_1256944834427974_7692471190478589323_o   KakaoTalk_Photo_2017-06-15-09-37-53_90

   

 

Interview with Yekwon Sunwoo, the 15th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Gold Medalist

Hyeyoung Song(HS): Please share with us your thoughts as the winner of the 15th Van Cliburn Competition.
Yekwon Sunwoo(YS): The physical endurance was a challenge and at times time would pass excruciatingly slowly. But I am thankful that I was able to finish strong and grateful to all the people who stood by me until the end.

HS: During this competition, was there a particular piece you were most satisfied with and least satisfied?
YS: Honestly, I think that there is always an area you wish you could have done differently in a performance. The job of a performer is to perform their very best and the process in which making the best performance is what brings happiness. Even though it is short, Schubert-Liszt’s Litanei auf des Fest Aller Seelen is one of the pieces that felt special to me while I was performing it.

HS: As the winner of the competition, you will probably become very busy. What changes do you think this will bring for you?
YS: I had better continue to perform my very best by working hard and avoiding laziness. It still hasn’t hit me that I am the winner of the competition….however, it is my dream to be a musician that always advances and matures, so I will do my best.

HS: In your lifetime, is there a certain piece that you would like to leave a recording of?
YS: Since Schubert is a composer that is very dear to me, I would like to record his late sonatas. There are so many, it’s hard for me to even choose one.

HS: You are the first South Korean to win the Van Cliburn Competition…could you say something to your fans and the young musicians back at home?
YS: Thank you to everyone who supported me and cheered me on. And I am thankful for those who always showed interest even with my shortcomings. I’m sure all performers feel this way since there is no such thing as a perfect performer. I believe there is always room for improvement and I will always try my best to move people’s hearts with my music. I’m grateful for your continued support.

Congratulations!

Interview by Hyeyoung Song

선우예권 반클라이번 콩쿨 우승 현장 인터뷰

송혜영(이하 송):제 15회 반 클라이번 콩쿨에서 우승하신 소감을 말씀해 주세요.
선우예권(이하 선우):짧은 시간들이 길게 느껴 질 정도로 체력적으로 지치기도 했는데요. 잘 마쳐서 감사하고, 지켜 봐주신 모든 분들께 감사합니다.

송: 이번 콩쿨의 곡 중 에서 본인이 가장 만족했던 곡은 무엇이고 가장 아쉬움이 남았던 곡이 있다면.
선우: 사실 연주에는 항상 아쉬움이 조금씩 있는 것 같아요. 연주자의 직업이라는 것이 최상의 연주를 하기 위해서 계속 살아 가고 그 과정을 통해 행복을 느끼는 것이니까요. 제가 특별하게 생각하는 곡 중의 하나가 슈베르트 가곡 리타나이(Schubert-Liszt, Litanei auf des Fest Aller Seelen) 를 좋아하는데 짧은 곡이지만 연주 때에도 특별하게 다가왔습니다.

송: 우승자에게 주어지는 연주무대로 앞으로 무척 바빠지실텐데 어떤 변화가 있을 거라고 생각을 하시는지
선우: 다가오는 연주들을 최상의 조건들로 좋은 연주를 해야겠지요. 게을리 하지 않고 열심히 좋은 연주를 들려드리도록 해야 할 것 같아요. 아직은 우승했다는 실감이 나지 않는데…항상 발전하고 성숙해지는 진실한 음악가가 되는 것이 제 꿈이기 때문에 열심히 하겠습니다.

송: 본인이 일생을 통해서 꼭 남기고 싶은 레코딩이 있다면
선우: 소중하게 생각하는 작곡가는 슈베르트이기 때문에 슈베르트 소나타 후기 작품들을 남겨 보고 싶은데 그것은 너무 이른 것 같기도 하구요. 너무 많아서 하나만 고르기는 힘드네요.

송: 반클라이번 우승이라는 한국인으로서 역사적 수상을 하셨는데 고국의 팬들과 어린 음악가들에게 한 말씀 해 주세요.
선우: 응원해 주신 모든 분들께 너무 감사드리고, 부족할 수도 있는 연주를 항상 관심을 주신 분들께 감사드리고 싶어요. 모든 연주자들이 그렇게 느끼겠지만 완전한 연주는 없기 때문에 늘 부족하다 생각하거든요. 가슴에 무언가를 남길 수 있는 연주를 위해 노력하겠고 지켜 봐주시면 좋겠습니다.

축하합니다!

Interview by Hyeyoung Song

 

January 18, 2017

[Star-Telegram, 1.6, 2017] WC’s Hyeyoung Song performs at Carnegie Hall

Filed under: News — admin @ 12:45 am

JANUARY 6, 2017 3:09 PM

WC’s Hyeyoung Song performs at Carnegie Hall

http://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/weatherford-star-telegram/wt-news/article125010904.html

January 11, 2017

WC’s Hyeyoung Song performs at Carnegie Hall

Filed under: News — admin @ 11:31 pm

WC’s Hyeyoung Song performs at Carnegie Hall

Concert pianist and Weatherford College Artist-in-Residence Dr. Hyeyoung Song performed to a sold-out audience at Carnegie Hall in New York City on Dec. 28. The concert wrapped up her 2016 international tour which included Paris, Spain and Korea.

The concert, held in Carnegie Hall’s elegant Weill Recital Hall, included selections from Bach, Beethoven and Debussy as well as modern pieces by American composers Gershwin, Cowell and Rzewski.

“From the profound sacred music of Bach to the secular music of Rzewski who successfully translated through piano the labor movement and social issues of his time – these are not only pieces I love, but they mean a lot to me, as they reflect my life and the world of music,” Song said.

Publicity materials for Song’s tour were created by the WC Creative and Graphic Services Arts Department as part of the college’s partnership with Song who performs a free concert each semester at WC’s Alkek Fine Arts Center. Along with applied piano lessons, she has also taught Musicianship, Music Appreciation, and group piano classes at WC.

“I thank Weatherford College so much for the tremendous support and help,” she said. “I am so proud and honored to be a member of the Weatherford College family.”

Originally from Korea, Song was the First Prize winner of the Janice K. Hodges Competition at the University of Texas at San Antonio. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Ewha Woman’s University in Korea and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano performance from the University of Texas at Austin. She has served as WC’s Artist-in-Residence since 2007.

 

https://www.wc.edu/about/news/wc’s-hyeyoung-song-performs-carnegie-hall

January 3, 2017

[Jan.3, 2017]Hyeyoung Song wraps up her tour with success

Filed under: News — admin @ 10:45 pm
Hyeyoung Song wraps up her tour with success
December 28, 2016 | Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York
Reviewed and edited by Lilly Lee, Hannah Kim
Picture

   On Wednesday, December 28, Hyeyoung Song gave a sold out concert at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.  Presented by the Weatherford College, this concert served as a finale to her tour which included stops in Europe and in South Korea, her native land.

The concert began with a set of three Bach transcriptions by Kempff, Busoni and Petri.  Of the three, Busoni is most well-known for his Bach transcriptions and compositions.  The first two selections which are from Bach’s sacred cantatas, seemed quite suitable for the concert since Christmas was celebrated just three days before the concert.  The opening piece, Sinfonia from Bach Cantata(BWV 29), “Wir danken dir, Gott, wir danken dir”(“We thank you, God, we thank you”), transcribed by Kempff, is a lively piece full of octaves, scales runs and broken chords.  Performed in 1731, Bach scored this piece for the organ, the baroque orchestra and a basso continuo.  Ms. Song gave a colorful account of this piece and made the piano sound like the orchestra.  Perhaps due to the technical demands on the piano, I thought the tempo was slower compared to the original version performed on the organ.

The last two transcriptions from the set are more well-known. The second piece, 4th movement from Bach Cantata(BWV 140), “Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme”(“Awake, The Voice Command”) transcribed by Busoni, originally scored for two violins, tenor and a continuo, has a prominent tenor singing a text, “Zion hört die Wächter singen” (Zion hears the watchmen singing).  The third piece, “Schafe können sicher weiden”(“Sheep May Safely Graze”) transcribed by Petri, is originally an Aria from Bach Cantata, BWV 208.  First performed in 1713, “Sheep May Safely Graze” is originally scored for the soprano, two recorders, and a continuo.  In both of these selections, Ms. Song did a fine job of bringing out the tenor part in the second piece(“Awake, The Voice Command”) and the soprano part in the third piece(“Sheep May Safely Graze”), while keeping a steady tempo in the accompaniment.  She is a keen listener who is aware of the voices and their movements.  “Sheep May Safely Graze” was tender, calm, graceful and gentle.

Following the recital tradition of a baroque to classical order in the first half of the program, Ms. Song moved on to Beethoven’s “Appassionata Sonata”, Op. 57.  As Beethoven’s more well-known sonatas, she began with a bit of restraint in the first movement, but was eventually able to let go and play with more abandon.  She demonstrated a solid technique and tonal control, especially with the chords that can sound percussive and bangy with a wrong technical approach.

The second half of the program which started with a Debussy set and ended with a piece by Henry Cowell, was like a journey through different genres of music; from French Impressionism to American jazz to avant-garde.  The set of three impressionist pieces by Debussy—two preludes, “Voiles”(Sails), “La cathédrale engloutie”(The Submerged Cathedral) and “L’isle Joyeuse” (The Island of Joy) paved a way for the more contemporary works to follow in the program.  “L’isle Joyeuse” with its jazzy chords and rhythms, would be followed by two Gershwin transcriptions by Earl Wild(“Embraceable You” and “I Got Rhythm”);  both upbeat, Lisztian with fast passages and jazzy rhythm, all of which Ms. Song tackled with flair and showmanship.

The last two pieces, Frederic Rzewski’s “Winnsboro Cotton Mill Blues” from his four North American ballads, and “Exultation” by Henry Cowell were like a drum show; the rumble of the percussion from a distance at the beginning that was gradually approaching, was captivating. I got hooked on the drum, which really was just a piano that she played with her forearm.  The hall was filled with the bright, dissonant and percussive sound of the tone clusters.

Through these different genres of music, Ms. Song showed that she enjoys exploring the sound potential of the piano, whether through pedalling in Debussy, or through forearm clusters displayed in both Rzewski and Cowell’s pieces.  Her playing is warm, expressive, yet powerful.  The last piece was met with a standing ovation and was followed by an encore—another lovely Bach transcription, “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”transcribed by Myra Hess.

http://www.newyorkpianogroup.org/hs_concert_review.html

피아니스트 송혜영 카네기홀 대성황 공연

Filed under: News — admin @ 6:46 pm

https://newyorkkorea.net/board/index.html?id=noticenews&no=442

<기사입력일자:2017-0103>

    피아니스트 송혜영 카네기홀 대성황 공연

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

송혜영 피아니스트의 공연이 지난 12월 28일 카네기홀에서 대성황리에 개최되었다.  

피아니스트 송혜영은 재니스 하지스 국제 피아노 콩쿨 우승, 코퍼스 크리스티 국제 쇼팽 콩쿨, 시드니 라이트 콩쿨 입상, 텍사스 주립대 윌리엄 리빙스톤 엑설런트 티칭상을 수상한 바 있으며, “진정성, 원숙함, 정통성을 지닌, 청중의 귀와 마음을 사로잡는 연주자로 극도로 아름답고 절묘한 음색과 놀라운 음악적 에너지를 보여주고 있다.”는 평가를 받고 있다.

스타인웨이 홀 초청 연주를 비롯, 뉴욕 야마하 홀, 뉴욕 텐리 박물관 초청 브람스 기념 음악회, 달라스 Mu Phi Epsilon 초청 독주회, 스페인 Candas홀,  파리 American Church, LBJ오디토리움, 반 클라이번 영 아티스트 연주회, 텍사스 홀, 퍼스트 뱅크 연주홀, 마고 죤스 홀, 웰-카비 홀, 펩시코 홀, 애드 랜드레스 홀, 베이츠 홀, 제슨 홀, 세종 문화회관 등에서 연주 했다. 텍사스 주립대학오르페우스 음악원텍사스주 형사사법 대학북텍사스 컬리지 등에서 가르쳤고, 이화여자대학교, 서울신학대학교, 사우스 웨스턴 대학,  텍사스 여대, 스토니 브룩 국제 피아노 페스티발,  스페인 히혼 국제 피아노 페스티발 등 세계 각국에서 초청연주와 마스터 클라스를 열었다. 또한 피아니스트 에이미 거스탑슨과 피아노 듀오 아줄을 결성하여 활발히 활동하고 있다.

이번 공연에는 바하, 베에토벤, 드비시, 거쉰, 졔프스키, 카월 등 바로크와 고전, 인상주의, 미국 근현대 피아노 음악까지 다양한 작품이 연주되어 환호와 큰 박수를 받았다. 

-미국최대한인대표포털 뉴욕코리아, 조셉 리 기자-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 29, 2016

[DEC. 25, 2016]INTERVIEW WITH HYEYOUNG SONG

Filed under: News — admin @ 11:31 pm

screen-shot-2016-12-29-at-9-54-30-pmscreen-shot-2016-12-29-at-9-57-33-pm

 

HYEYOUNG SONG’S INSIGHT ON MUSICAL MATURITY

INTERVIEW WITH HYEYOUNG SONG

New York Piano Group | December 2016
 

 
 

First Prize winner of the Janice K. Hodges Piano Competition, Hyeyoung Song is an active performer who has performed extensively throughout the United States and Korea, noted for her warm and beautiful tone, tireless energy and great musical temperament.

She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Ewha Woman’s University where she graduated with highest honors in piano performance, an Artist Diploma from Texas Christian University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in piano performance from the University of Texas at Austin.

Her teachers include Gregory Allen, Jose Mendez, Harold Martina, Tamas Ungar, and Mijai Youn. She has also taken master classes with Anne Schein, Aldo Parisot, Miyoko Lotto, Philippe Bianconi, Benedetto Lupo, Krassimira Jordan, Jose Feghali, Robert Blocker and Richard Cass.

Song lives in Coppell Texas, with her husband and two children. Since 2007, She has been serving as Artist in Residence at Weatherford College, Texas.

“Because music is so great and divine, I believe that it was a gift to mankind to perform and enjoy.”

Can you tell us about your upcoming program at Carnegie Hall?

I’m happy to have the chance to perform pieces that I have always enjoyed.  My recital program includes a sacred piano transcription by Bach,  “Appassionata” sonata by Beethoven (a composer I feel close to like a soulmate), two Debussy preludes and the ‘Isle of Joy’ (all three pieces related to ‘water’) and modern pieces by American composers such as Gershwin, Cowell, Rzewski…From the profound sacred music of Bach to the secular music of Rzewski who successfully translated through piano the labor movement and social issues of his time.  These are not only pieces I love, but they mean a lot to me, as they reflect my life and the world of music.

Can you tell us about your concert activities this year?

My 2016 world tour included a tour of Europe this past Summer, playing in Paris, in Spain, etc., a tour of Korea this past Fall.  This Carnegie Hall concert is a finale that will complete my tour.

You currently live in Texas. How do you like Texas and what brought you to Texas?

Coming to Texas was like destiny.  I was selected as a scholarship student by a professor from Texas who was doing a tour of Asia while I was in graduate school.  My teacher whom I respect, recommended Texas and gave me guidance, because she knew about the Van Cliburn competition and the high level of music education in Texas.  In addition to the Van Cliburn competition, I was attracted to the fine concert series in Texas, a relaxed cultural environment and the public’s appreciation towards music.  That’s why I came to Texas, so I could immerse myself in piano in such an environment.

I understand that you are also a mother to young children. Is it difficult to find time to practice while raising two children?

Yes, very difficult.  Raising children, ages 6 and 3 and travelling with them is one of life’s greatest adventures.  I have been upset at times because of the restriction in how much I can practice.  I have to look after the children who interrupt me during my practice.  Getting myself at the piano to practice in the middle of the night after a long day and after putting kids to sleep, sometimes feels like a battle.
However, I feel that music and life are inseparable.  A mother raising young children and a pianist are not so different.  I think that giving up for your children’s needs is a process that allows one to mature musically.  Similarly, a life of a performer is a process of giving .  As a musician, I feel that I’m being trained on how to give up myself and to give to others.  Practicing with children at the piano, practicing to the sound of children playing…I perhaps picked up a skill on how to live together with them.
Most of all, my children provide me with inspiration and creative energy, which are very special to me.  I feel that such factors allow me to achieve greater musical maturity.

If it weren’t for piano, what do you think you would have become?

Well, I haven’t given it any serious thought, but I think I would have been an educator or a poet.  I would have done something related to helping children or the disabled; something that would allow me to share the beauty of this world.

What inspired you to become a concert pianist? Were there any challenges that you faced as a pianist? If yes, how did you overcome those challenges?

My mother loved music and since I was young, I had a lot of interest in this unseen world and its beauty.  In middle school, my music teacher played a Verdi Requiem and said: “If people would listen to this kind of music, there would be no sadness brought on by war or division.”  I remember vividly that that was the moment that made me want to devote my life to music.
There were certainly many challenges, but since I can’t think of anything in particular, that probably means that any hardship is overshadowed by the greatness of music and its beauty.  I am thankful and feel blessed for being able to lead a life with music.

Can you name some pianists who have inspired you? Who were some of your influences in your development as an artist?

There are so many great pianists throughout history whom I admire for their unique interpretation and a distinct tone.  As for pianists who are around today, I really admire Radu Lupu and Andras Schiff.  They fully explored the potential of the piano and I feel that they are pianists who overcame it’s deficiencies.

Do you have any advice to give to those who wish to become a professional pianist?

Because music is so great and divine, I believe that it was a gift to mankind to perform and enjoy.  As much as being privileged and blessed to be a musician, I believe that cherishing one’s musical talent and sharing it, is a calling and a responsibility of a musician.  If one realizes how much he or she is blessed, one should be able to follow this path with joy and overcome any handicap or despair.

What does music mean to you? What significance does classical music have in today’s world?

When I was young, music was an absolute necessity to me.  I believed that music was superior to all disciplines including science and art; that it ends war, purifies one’s soul and brings world peace.  Even though we don’t live in a world where a young girl’s fantasy magically turns into reality, I continue to believe in the greatness and the power of music.  Good music allows us to get deeply in touch with our natural selves.  What can be a happier moment for a performer other than communicating and being in contact with an audience?  To me, music is love.

Hyeyoung Song performs on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at Carnegie Hall. For tickets, click here.  Learn more about Hyeyoung Song at www.hyeyoungsong.com.

 
 
 
 
 
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