Soo Jung Kwon, pianist

Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in music and who or what have been the most important influences on your musical life and career?

When I was a child, I came across a picture of my mother in our family album, and it felt like a calling to become a pianist. Although I can’t recall my exact age, I am positive it was before I turned five. In the picture, my mom was wearing a white dress and bowing to the audience. Ever since that moment, I have been captivated by the piano, even though I have never seen or touched one in real life.

It is the love and faith of my supporters, which includes my family, teachers, professors, friends, students, and audiences, who have always appreciated my playing. However, I must mention that my mother, childhood piano teacher, and Dr. Posnak have been the most significant influences on my musical life and career.

My childhood piano teacher was Sun-Hee Cho. Since my parents could not afford professional piano lessons due to financial struggles, I was fortunate to meet Ms. Cho, who ran a piano studio in a small town in Seoul, Korea. Ms. Cho allowed me to stay and practice at her studio as much as I wanted and only charged a small fee. The studio was a perfect place for me to learn the vast repertoire of classical music, as I could listen to other students playing pieces from different composers during my childhood.

Whenever I experience a severe slump, my mom serves as my anchor. She says, “I’m not afraid you’ll stop playing the piano. However, I’m afraid you’ll lose your dream because you’ve dedicated your life to the piano.”

Dr. Posnak played a significant role in my life when I stopped playing the piano for two years due to depression. He encouraged me to play again, which helped me overcome this difficult period.

What have been the greatest challenges of your career so far?

After graduating from Germany’s oldest music school, founded by Felix Mendelssohn in 1843 [Hochschule für Musik und Theater “Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy”], in 2011, I lost my passion for playing the piano. As a result, I decided to move to the USA. As previously mentioned, I stopped playing the piano for two years, which was the most difficult time of my life. However, this severe depression led me to establish the Nanum (Sharing in English) Concert Series, which helped me overcome my struggles and become a better musician.

Which performances/recordings are you most proud of?

Every performance is special to me, but the first Nanum Concert, “Beginning,” held at Geumnarae Art Hall in Seoul, Korea, was the most remarkable one. It marked the announcement of the Nanum Concert Series and signified my restoration from depression. I was the director of the concert from the beginning to the end. I cast musicians from overseas, designed the program and concept, and performed as the leader and star. https://www.soojpiano.com/post/시작-the-beginning

Which particular works/composers do you think you perform best?

I find it challenging to answer this question because of my diverse musical background. I have studied piano solo, vocal coaching, and instrumental collaborative piano in Germany and the USA, and I enjoy all genres of music and settings. However, I have a particular affinity for Beethoven’s music, and I have made plans to perform his last three piano sonatas on my 50th birthday.

What do you do off stage that provides inspiration on stage?

I enjoy traveling, watching movies, and daydreaming. Swimming is my favourite activity for daydreaming.

There’s something truly magical about swimming. The sound of the water and the way it feels on my skin creates a special zone for daydreaming and relaxation. It’s a place where I can let my mind wander and find inspiration.

How do you make your repertoire choices from season to season?

The time of year is important because of the various celebrations like Christmas, New Year, and other similar occasions. Considering the background music is also crucial for the program. The program should be enjoyable for the audience, and it could be challenging for them if it is too heavy or academic. Communication with the audience is the most essential aspect of my repertoire choices.

Do you have a favorite concert venue to perform in and why?

Honestly, I have missed European pianos and venues since moving to the USA, but I don’t have a favorite concert venue.

What do you feel needs to be done to grow classical music’s audiences?

I hope that people understand that classical music is not difficult. In fact, it is always present around us, and most people know the tunes already, even if they don’t know the title of the piece or the composer. This is one of the reasons why I decided to found the Nanum Concert Series.

I quoted a part of my speech at my recent concert below.

“My Nanum concert series aims to showcase the unifying power of music by providing opportunities for musicians to share their talents and cultivate a refined culture.

I often hear classical music being considered boring or difficult or only for enthusiasts. But, as a classical musician, I want to make music accessible to everyone and open doors for musicians who need more opportunities.”

What is your most memorable concert experience?

In 2020, I performed a piano concert at the Steinway Gallery in Boca Raton, USA. As an encore, I played “Mother of Mine” by Bill Parkinson with a violinist because my mother was visiting me from Korea. All of the audience shed tears thinking of their mom.

As a musician, what is your definition of success?

To find a musical style that can represent my personality and identity.

What advice would you give to young/aspiring musicians?

Please don’t give up. Keep going, even if it seems impossible. It will come. And find your colour (style)

What’s the one thing in the music industry we’re not talking about which you think we should be?

When I look back on my time in college studying music, I realize that I was solely focused on mastering challenging repertoire and passing exams to earn my degrees. Unfortunately, I did not learn how to promote myself and thrive in the music industry. I wish I had known how to survive and succeed in this competitive field.

What’s next? Where would you like to be in 10 years?

My lifestyle would consist of practicing, performing, and teaching. However, I hope to continue growing my Nanum Concert Series, featuring musicians from all over the world.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Throughout my entire life, I have asked myself the same question. Although I do not have the answer, I have come to understand that true happiness stems from within my own mind, rather than external circumstances.

https://www.soojpiano.com/