Hong Eun-seon Explores Beethoven's 'Cello Sonata'... Complete Series on the 14th

2 PM on the 14th at the Seoul Arts Center IBK Chamber Hall

"Since my study abroad in Germany, I have felt in Beethoven's music the frustration and pain he experienced, and yet, despite all that, a very human aspect of finding hope again and continuing to live. After returning to Korea, I wanted to explore that human charm of Beethoven someday, which led me to plan this concert."

Cellist Hong Eun-seon will perform the complete series of Beethoven's cello sonatas in two sessions.
[Photo by AMWB]

Cellist Hong Eun-seon will present the complete series of Beethoven's cello sonatas in two sessions. The first concert, "Hong Eun-seon Beethoven Complete Cello Series I (BEETHOVEN, Complete Works for Cello and Piano)," will be held on the 12th at 2 PM at the IBK Chamber Hall in the Seoul Arts Center.

Pianist Ilya Rashkovskiy will join the performance, playing Beethoven's Cello Sonatas Nos. 1, 3, and 4, as well as the 12 variations on the theme from Handel's oratorio "Judas Maccabaeus" by Beethoven.

Beethoven composed five cello sonatas from 1796 to 1815. By expanding the cello's range and skillfully utilizing its functions and characteristics, Beethoven's compositions allowed the cello to secure a leading position as a solo instrument, marking a turning point in its history.

Hong Eun-seon explained that through this complete series program, she aimed to express contrasts in style rather than the chronological development of the works. The first part features Beethoven's fresh and spring-like first cello sonata and the fourth sonata, which reflects the transition from his middle to late compositional style. The second part includes the 12 variations on the theme "See, the Conquering Hero Comes" from Handel's oratorio "Judas Maccabaeus," composed in the same year as Sonata No. 1, showcasing early Beethoven's vitality, along with the richly popular Sonata No. 3.

Hong Eun-seon was the first Korean to win the Enescu International Competition, marking her official debut on the international stage. She debuted in 2002 with the Kumho Art Hall Young Artist Concert and has been recognized for her talent by winning second place at the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Youth, third place at the Gaspar Cassad? International Competition, and second place at the Penderecki International Competition, among other prestigious international contests.

Hong Eun-seon also premiered Penderecki's "Chaconne for Six Cellos" alongside world-renowned performers such as Frans Helmerson and Truls Mørk. She has performed as a soloist with leading orchestras both domestically and internationally, including the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, Teatro La Fenice Orchestra in Venice, Russian Philharmonic, Kuopio Symphony Orchestra in Finland, and the Korean Chamber Orchestra. She currently teaches at Yonsei University, Sookmyung Women's University, Yewon School, and Seoul Arts High School.