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?
I think a life dedicated to music is not something one can pursue and sustain purely by external inspiration or motivation; rather, the energetic spark should come from within. My teachers—Dang Thai Son and HaeSun Paik — are among the most important influences in my musical life, alongside great masters from the past, such as Radu Lupu, Alfred Cortot, Artur Rubinstein, Sergei Rachmaninoff, etc.
What have been the greatest challenges of your career so far?
I think touring as a pianist requires not only physical strength, but an unwavering emotional commitment. A pianist’s life is a life of giving, and maintaining the emotional and psychological capacity to constantly give is a lifelong challenge.
Which performances are you most proud of?
Perhaps my final round performance of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 at the Long-Thibaud Competition last year. I had to give three performances in four days, and this concerto was the culmination of the three.
Which particular works/composers do you think you perform best?
I don’t think I play any of them well enough!
How do you make your repertoire choices from season to season?
I have just embarked on my career, so I cannot say I have a strict rule I adhere to. I prefer to follow my heart.
Do you have a favourite concert venue to perform in and why?
Probably Jordan Hall in Boston. After I moved to the US five years ago, that was where I had my first concert. The hall carries a welcoming, embracing atmosphere, and I have played there several times since then – and it is a pleasure each and every time.
Another “venue” I enjoyed performing in was right in front of the Eiffel Tower, where I played on Bastille Day (July 14) as a part of the Concert de Paris — what a view!
What do you do off stage that provides inspiration on stage?
I dream, sleep, observe, feel, taste, smell, listen, and read.
What is your most memorable concert experience?
Tough to say. Perhaps my La Roque d’Anthéron Piano Festival debut recital last year. It is one of the few places in the world where huge outdoor recitals with natural acoustics (no microphones and speakers) are common, nearly-everyday events in the summer.
As a musician, what is your definition of success?
Unfortunately, I do not think there is any “success” in a musician’s life — only “growth.”
What do you feel needs to be done to grow classical music’s audiences?
Education. How the audience expands is also an important question. It must be done in such a way that it is sustainable, where people go to concerts seeking to listen to and experience the music, rather than to see a particular musician in-person.
What advice would you give to young or aspiring musicians?
I think most people would still include me in the category of “young musicians,” which I am grateful for. Nevertheless, my advice would be to follow your heart!
You’ve just released your debut album on Warner Classics, Chopin/Fauré. What made you want to focus on these composers for this album?
Over the years, I have played a lot of Chopin’s works, while Fauré was a more recent discovery -the two blend very well. Fauré’s music was influenced by Chopin’s, and they were both based in Paris at different periods in history.
What is your favourite work on the album, and why?
A parent could never choose a favourite child! The most “interesting” could be the last piece, which is actually the only work in the album that is by neither Chopin nor Fauré: “En avril à Paris” by Charles Trenet, arranged for piano by Alexis Weissenberg. It is such a charming piece that brings a pleasant conclusion to the album.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
It depends on what you mean by the word “happiness.” I think happiness exists in moments; therefore, I prefer to aim for a state of peace.
Saehyun Kim’s debut album, Chopin/Fauré, is available on Warner Classics
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