'Ideal Duo' Hillary Han & Andreas Hapfliger, Consecutive 2-Year Korea Tour Performances

Full Performance of Brahms Violin Sonatas at Seoul Arts Center on the 11th
Hilary Hahn Collaborates with Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra in Brahms Violin Concerto

Johannes Brahms (1833?1897) was an outstanding pianist. Brahms shared a deep friendship with violinist Joseph Joachim (1831?1907). Joachim, along with Pablo de Sarasate (1844?1908), was considered one of the greatest violinists of his time. Brahms and Joachim first met in 1853 when they were both in their early twenties. Brahms received Joachim's assistance when composing his violin concerto. At the premiere of Brahms's violin concerto, Brahms conducted while Joachim played the violin. At the premiere of Brahms's piano concerto, Brahms performed on the piano while Joachim conducted. Joachim also introduced Brahms to Robert Schumann (1810?1856).

Violinist Hilary Hahn will perform a duo concert at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall on the 11th. The pianist accompanying Hahn, much like Brahms and Joachim, is Andreas Haefliger. Hahn and Haefliger also performed a duo concert during their visit to Korea last year. Last year, they played Beethoven's violin sonatas, and this year they will perform the complete set of Brahms's violin sonatas (three pieces). Since 2022, Hahn and Haefliger have been touring worldwide with their duo performances. They have been highly praised by The Times as "the most ideal partnership."

Violinist Hilary Hahn [Photo by Mast Media, (c) Chris Lee]

In a written interview with Asia Economy, Haefliger explained that the reason for the good chemistry with Hahn is because they honestly share and respect each other's musical views. "Both of us share a common goal of reaching the pinnacle in musical interpretation. To achieve this, we encourage each other and also accept each other's criticism."

Hahn mentioned that Brahms's music has become somewhat more familiar to her recently.

"Over the past few years, working with contemporary composers and performing modern music seems to have brought about a slight change in my approach to Brahms's music. As I came to believe in these changes myself, it influenced my interpretation of works with a high degree of inner intimacy, and I felt more comfortable with pieces like Brahms's sonatas."

Hahn will also appear on the stage of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra's regular concerts on the 9th and 10th. Originally, pianist Yeol Eum Son was scheduled to perform with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra but withdrew due to health reasons, and Hahn will take her place. Hahn will perform Brahms's violin concerto conducted by Yap Van Zweden, the music director of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra.

Last month, Hahn also performed Brahms's violin concerto with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. In an interview with local media at the time, she said, "Brahms is one of the composers whose perspective I have changed over the past few years," adding, "I feel that I have come to understand Brahms better musically."

Pianist Andreas Haefliger [Photo courtesy of Mastmedia, (c) Gianmaria Gava]

Hahn is visiting Korea for the third consecutive year with this performance. In 2022, she toured Korea with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra from Canada, performing Prokofiev's Violin Concerto No. 1. Hahn said, "I really enjoy performing in Korea."

"In Korea, there is a free-spirited energy from the audience that I love very much, along with wonderful fans and beautiful concert halls. The food is also amazing. I like that when I go to the market, I can see a variety of seafood and vegetables, and especially just seeing the numerous green leafy vegetables in the vegetable section brings me joy every time. Korea's traditional designs, architectural styles, and fabrics are beautiful. Various symbols and colors also inspire me."