Pianist Choi Hyung-rok brings Chopin Competition stage to life in 'Forest of Piano' concert

Pianist Choi Hyung-rok, known as the "Pianist of Healing," aims to transport audiences directly into the Chopin International Piano Competition with his upcoming "Forest of Piano" concert. "I want to give the audience the feeling of being at the Chopin Competition venue," Choi stated.

“

I want to give the audience the feeling of being at the Chopin Competition venue.

The concert series is inspired by the Japanese manga and anime "Forest of Piano," which tells the story of Kai Ichinose, a boy who grows up playing a piano abandoned in a forest and eventually competes in the Chopin Competition. Choi, who made a significant impression by reaching the second round of the actual competition in Warsaw in 2021, plans to deliver a performance that makes it seem as if the manga's protagonist has come to life.

“

As the concert moves towards the latter half, I've arranged pieces that require greater density and musicality, allowing the audience to delve deeper into Chopin's musical world.

Following a sold-out debut in Seoul in February, the "Forest of Piano" concert expanded into a national tour, with upcoming performances in Busan, Daegu, and another in Seoul. While the initial Seoul concert featured a broad range of composers like Mozart and Beethoven, the current tour focuses exclusively on Chopin's works, particularly those central to the manga's narrative climax, the Chopin Competition. The program includes pieces like the Waltzes Op. 64, Scherzo No. 3, Ballade No. 2, and Prelude No. 15, known as the "Raindrop Prelude."

“

Kai's pure love for music seems to reflect the childhood of many performers. Doesn't everyone have a moment when they started because they simply loved music itself?

Choi described the program's progression, noting, "As the concert moves towards the latter half, I've arranged pieces that require greater density and musicality, allowing the audience to delve deeper into Chopin's musical world." He also shared that revisiting the "Forest of Piano" anime for the concert preparation helped him reconnect with his own early passion for music, reflecting on Kai's pure love for the art form. Choi hopes his performances offer comfort and a moment of rest for listeners.

“

I am truly grateful for the title 'Pianist of Healing.' Rather than intentionally trying to comfort someone, I focus on the beauty inherent in the music itself.