[On Stage] Sara Jang "I Want to Enjoy a Romantic Performance with Brahms"

Violinist Sarah Jang's Solo Recital in Korea
First in 5 Years...Performing in 13 Cities Over 20 Days
Wants to Give a Performance That Receives Energy from the Audience

"If I had to pick one favorite composer, it would be Brahms. He is so romantic."

Violinist Sarah Chang (pictured) is holding a solo recital in Korea for the first time in five years with works by Brahms, her favorite composer. She began her nationwide tour on the 10th at Seongnam Arts Center. She will perform in 13 cities over 20 days. The tour will conclude with a concert at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall on the 29th.

She said, "I am performing in many cities, including many places I am visiting for the first time. Especially in December, with Christmas, it is a joy and an honor to perform and enjoy it together with the Korean audience."

[Photo by Credia]

She will perform two works by Brahms, the Sonatensatz and Violin Sonata No. 3, and conclude the concert with Prokofiev’s Violin Sonata No. 2.

Regarding the pieces, Sarah Chang described them as "traditional and scholarly," adding, "The main piece, Prokofiev’s sonata, is a very large sonata." She further explained, "These are pieces I personally love very much, and I like how the piano and violin engage in a balanced, equal dialogue."

Sarah Chang said she likes Brahms not only because he is romantic but also because he gives freedom to the performer. While other composers’ works require following formal structures, Brahms’ pieces allow pursuing freedom within those structures. "I believe it’s okay to perform Brahms’ works as they pour out from the heart. There aren’t many composers who give performers as much freedom as Brahms does."

Sarah Chang will celebrate her 35th debut anniversary next year. She debuted at age nine in 1990, performing Paganini’s famously challenging Violin Concerto with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by maestro Zubin Mehta. The performance received a standing ovation lasting about 10 minutes, and she became famous as a violin prodigy. She first entered Korea and performed there at the end of that year. She said Korea’s status has changed greatly compared to when she was young.

"Korea has become a culturally advanced country with K-pop, food, dramas, and especially many students receiving music education and having strong pride in Korea. That pride grows every year. Many Korean students win competitions, and every time I see how musically rich Korea is, I feel very proud."

Sarah Chang said she enjoys performing more now than when she was younger. "When I was young, I traveled to performances with my parents, manager, and tutors while also attending school. It was very busy and sometimes difficult."

[Photo by Credia]

However, now that she enjoys performing more, she emphasized the importance of meaningful concerts.

"After a performance, I don’t often feel deeply happy inside. I could perform 100 times a year, but it is more important to have meaningful concerts."

Regarding meaningful concerts, she said that harmony with the conductor, orchestra, and accompanist is important, but above all, feeling energy from the audience makes a performance meaningful. "Many factors affect a performance. The performer’s own preparation, the harmony with the orchestra and pianist?all must align well. Especially with the audience, there is a magical moment when the breathing matches as if breathing together. Such performances happen occasionally, and those moments feel special."

Sarah Chang also said she has recently been trying to balance family life and performing activities. She realized the importance of family anew due to COVID-19. She spent holidays like Chuseok, Christmas, and family birthdays with her family, which she had missed due to her busy schedule, and said, "I realized that spending time at home with family is important."

She said she is happy performing in Korea.

"There seem to be more young students in the audience when I perform in Korea than anywhere else. When I stand on the Korean stage and look at the audience, there are people of various ages, and that makes me very happy. That is why performing in Korea feels very special, and I am grateful when I am on stage. It truly feels like a country that loves music and culture."