“Why should a pianist study literature?”

Pianist Kim Seyun, who captured first place at the prestigious Long-Thibaud Competition last year, is navigating a demanding schedule that balances intense practice with his academic pursuits. The 19-year-old artist is simultaneously studying piano under Dang Thai Son and Paik Hyeon-seok at the New England Conservatory and pursuing an English literature degree at Harvard University.

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I try to take classes in the morning or afternoon and head straight to practice. If I have classes in the afternoon, I practice in the morning before going to school, and then I practice until about 10 p.m. when I get back. I don't have 48 hours in a day, so I have to prioritize.

"I try to take classes in the morning or afternoon and head straight to practice," Kim explained. "If I have classes in the afternoon, I practice in the morning before going to school, and then I practice until about 10 p.m. when I get back. I don't have 48 hours in a day, so I have to prioritize."

His debut album, "Chopin, Fauré," features Chopin's Études, Nocturnes, and Barcarolle, alongside Fauré's compositions and Charles Trenet's "April in Paris." The album reflects Kim's affection for France and Paris, places deeply connected to his competition win and musical journey. The recording took place in December at the renowned Salle Colonne in Paris.

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Literary studies might not directly impact my current musical activities or improve my performance right away, but I expect them to be slowly digested within me and become helpful in 10 or 20 years.

Kim hopes his literary studies will eventually inform his musicality. "Literary studies might not directly impact my current musical activities or improve my performance right away, but I expect them to be slowly digested within me and become helpful in 10 or 20 years," he said. His ultimate aspiration is to perform with "the perspective of a composer rather than just a performer."

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I want to perform with the perspective of a composer rather than just a performer.