Versatile classical music artist Caroline Fischer says she wishes to collaborate with K-pop stars


For Caroline Fischer, an acclaimed pianist born to a Korean mother and a German father, being biracial is something she feels proud of.

The classical musician has been travelling around the world promoting the cultures of both countries and, more importantly, bridging them.

“I am very proud of being Korean and German and I’m glad that I can represent both countries,” Fischer told The Korea Herald on Friday.

“I think I have both mentalities inside of me. I feel comfortable both about Korea and Germany,” she added.

Fischer began to receive the spotlight in both countries after she gave concerts during the state visit of former German Federal President Roman Herzog to Korea in 1999. She was 13. Since then, Fischer has held a number of concerts in Korea and expanded musical exchanges with Korean artists including violinist Kim Min, one of the leading figures in the country’s classical music scene.

The 29-year-old pianist is currently in Seoul at the invitation of the Korea Foundation, an academic and cultural arm of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Since last year, the foundation has been inviting artists from around the world who have contributed to introducing Korean culture overseas. 

Fischer performed in Cheolwon, Gangwon Province, on May 24, at Korea Foundation Culture Center in Seoul on May 25 and also in Yeosu and Gwangju of South Jeolla Province and Keimyung University in Daegu.

Her performances were also part of her Asian tour that included cities in China and Japan. For her Seoul concert, she performed Beethoven’s Sonata for Piano No. 14, “Moonlight” Op. 27-2, Liszt’s Spanish Rhapsody and Hungarian Rhapsody No. 13 in A Minor, and a Korean song “A Longing for Mt. Geumgang.”

As a cultural ambassador for both countries, the energetic and open-minded pianist said she wants to get closer to people who are not familiar with classical music.

“I think music is an international language which everyone can understand. I hope I can communicate with them, despite the language barrier, through my music.”

Fischer who claims to be a devoted fan of Korean actor Hyun Bin said she wants to collaborate with Korean artists, particularly those in pop culture. She has been also experimenting with different art genres by taking vocal training, and even dance lessons.

“I am very open to everything. I would like to collaborate with artists not only in classical music but also in pop music. I’d love to perform with K-pop stars if I have the opportunity,” Fischer said.

By Cho Chung-un (christory@heraldcorp.com)