How was your experience with Abu Dhabi Classics?
Great. Top musicians from all over the world have been part of this prestigious series and I am honoured to be one of them.
How did you feel winning the Chopin gold medal?
Initially, I was both happy and excited. But following that, a bit apprehensive. There are so many concert plans laid out and suddenly there’s a lot of expectation placed on you.
Before the Chopin competition, I played 20 to 30 concerts a year. But since then, it has been about 100 concerts around the world.
What are your favourite music pieces?
To play, I like Beethoven, Schubert and of course Chopin. I want to play all of Beethoven sonatas some day; having played 20 out of 32 so far.
As for listening, apart from classical music, I have several favourite bands like Queen and The Beatles. I especially love Bohemian Rhapsody.
Why did you take up classical music, especially piano?
In Korea, learning classical music is very common for children and the piano was the most popular instrument to play. My parents first encouraged me to play the piano as a hobby, thinking that it would be good as I was an only child.
Future plans?
I want to have the chance to play alongside all the great orchestras and musicians of the world, in the most incredible venues our genre has to offer.
