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Classical Music Feast: Maisky, Chen to Perform at June Festival

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The 'Classical Bridge International Music Festival' will feature 21 artists, including cellist Mischa Maisky, in seven performances from June 4-12 in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province.
  • The festival, curated by pianist Clara Min, aims to connect generations, artists, and cultures through music, building on its history since its 2018 New York debut.
  • Performances will include a range of classical composers and feature both world-renowned artists and emerging talents, with some concerts highlighting family collaborations.

A vibrant classical music festival is set to illuminate Seoul and Gyeonggi Province this June, offering a rich program of performances from the 4th to the 12th. The 'Classical Bridge International Music Festival,' now in its latest iteration, will host 21 acclaimed artists, including the world-renowned cellist Mischa Maisky, across seven distinct concerts.

Music is not just about playing music, but connecting generations, artists, and cultures through classical music.

— Clara MinArtistic director and pianist Clara Min explaining the philosophy behind the Classical Bridge International Music Festival.

Spearheaded by artistic director and pianist Clara Min, the festival is more than just a series of recitals; it's a platform designed to foster connections. "The Bridge Festival connects generations, artists, and cultures through music," Min explained in a recent interview. Since its inception in New York in 2018, the festival has expanded its reach, with previous stops in New York, Bordeaux, Seoul, and Paris, before returning to Seoul this year.

We invite artists who have worked with open minds free of prejudice and with sincerity towards music.

— Clara MinArtistic director and pianist Clara Min on the selection criteria for artists at the festival.

This year's lineup boasts a blend of established masters and promising young musicians. Alongside Maisky, audiences can anticipate performances by violinist Augustin Dumay and violist Lida Chen, as well as prominent Korean artists like violist Kim Sang-jin and clarinetist Cho Dong-hyun. A unique feature of the festival is the opportunity to witness family collaborations, exemplified by Mischa Maisky's cello recital, where his daughter Lily (piano) and son Sasha (violin) will join him on stage.

As performers, we will share energy with the Korean audience, and through the festival, we will undoubtedly serve as a bridge between generations.

— Lida ChenViolist Lida Chen on her role and her son's debut at the festival.

Violist Lida Chen will also be performing with her 18-year-old son, David Chen, who is set to make his Korean debut. "As performers, we will share energy with the Korean audience, and through the festival, we will undoubtedly serve as a bridge between generations," said Lida Chen. The festival's programming includes chamber concerts featuring works from various eras, from classical and romantic pieces to 20th-century compositions by Stravinsky and Shostakovich, culminating in orchestral performances of Beethoven and Rachmaninoff.

My appearance may not show it, but my heart is still young. My dream is to live long and die young.

— Mischa MaiskyWorld-renowned cellist Mischa Maisky reflecting on his passion for music and performing with younger artists.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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