Violinist Lee Sung-ju, professor at the Korea National University of Arts school of music, will play Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos on Nov. 13 at the Seoul Arts Center IBK Chamber Hall.
Celebrating the 35th anniversary of her debut at the New York Kaufman Center on April 26, 1977, the violinist will accompany Joy of Strings, a string ensemble she founded 15 years ago, to present the complicated, grand yet solemn world of Bach. The concertos, whose original title is “Six Concerts plusieurs instruments,” is considered a masterpiece of the “father of music.”
At the concert, some of her colleagues and prominent players will appear to show their respect to Lee, who has conquered the New York Wieniawski Violin Competition and received awards at numerous others including the International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition, Washington International Violin Competition and Queen Elizabeth Competition.
Lee Sung-ju. (Courtesy of Joy of Strings)
Several musicians including horn player Lee Seok-jun, oboist Lee Yun-jung and trumpeter Kim Jin-sun, whom she has worked with or seen grow since their student days, will join the performance.
“It has been a good 35 years in the professional music business. I thought it is time I do something for people of the next generation,” she said, explaining why she chose to perform with an ensemble rather than hold a solo concert.
“I always had a thing about Bach, and why not altogether? The Brandenburg is not just a perfect opportunity to play as a team, but at the same time a chance to show off individual techniques since there are relatively long solo parts,” she said. “I have known most of the players for a long time ― some of them are from my school ― and I know it is time for them to shine,” she said.
By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)
