[On Stage] Danny Gu "Matinee is Comfortable... Suitable for Promoting Classical Music"

The Leading Artist of Lotte Concert Hall's Matinee Series in the First Half of This Year
Three Performances from March to May... Guests Include Go Sangji and Son Taejin

"I wanted to promote classical music more, and I thought matinee performances aligned with that direction. I was delighted when the proposal came from Lotte Concert Hall."

Violinist Danny Gu, who will be in charge of the matinee concert series 'El Concert' at Lotte Concert Hall in the first half of this year, shared these thoughts at a press conference held at Lotte Concert Hall on the 10th.

The French word matinee means a performance held during the daytime. Since its opening in 2016, Lotte Concert Hall has held matinee performances under the name 'El Concert.' Danny Gu is responsible for El Concert in the first half of this year. He selects guests and decides together which pieces to perform. Danny Gu will hold three performances on March 20, April 17, and May 15, themed around movies, spring, and jazz. In March, he will share the stage with bandoneon player Go Sang-ji and singer Son Tae-jin; in April, with the DITTO Orchestra; and in May, with the Cho Sung-yoon Trio. Danny Gu mentioned that there are additional guests for the April and May performances that cannot be disclosed at this time.

Violinist Danny Gu is expressing his thoughts on being in charge of this year's first half matinee performance 'El Concert' at Lotte Concert Hall on the 10th.
[Photo by Lotte Concert Hall]

Typically, classical concerts are held late in the afternoon. Although it is after work hours, there is still considerable pressure regarding the next day's work. Danny Gu said, matinee performances held during the daytime feel more relaxed, which can be better for promoting classical music.

"Evening performances at 7 or 8 PM feel more formal as they mark the end of the day. In contrast, matinees feel like starting the day with a performance. The advantage of matinees is that you can enjoy the concert more comfortably."

Danny Gu constantly thinks about how to promote classical music more. To raise awareness of classical music, he has been performing in the classical concert for children, 'Pinkfong Classic Nara,' for eight years.

"I believe music education is extremely important. Before children develop the prejudice that classical music is difficult, I thought about how to deliver music in a fun way, which led to starting Pinkfong Classic Nara. It is one of the most fulfilling things I have done."

He actively communicates with the public by appearing on entertainment shows. This is also for the popularization of classical music.

"Many artists think that someday audiences will come to our concert halls. But in an increasingly fast-paced world, classical music is becoming more distant from society. I prefer to actively approach the public with music I love and want to communicate. Even if classical music cannot become fully popularized, I want to give many people the opportunity to enjoy classical concerts. I am taking on various challenges, including entertainment appearances, thinking that I might become a bridge between classical music and the public."

Violinist Danny Gu is performing Piazzolla's "Ave Maria" ahead of a press conference held on the 10th at Lotte Concert Hall.
Photo by Lotte Concert Hall

Danny Gu said that at one point, he experienced confusion as a classical musician due to his diverse activities. However, over time, many of those concerns have been resolved, and he is now in a very happy state. He also feels pride in promoting classical music in various ways.

"People who were not interested in classical concerts have been coming to my performances recently. I feel a burden to show them the merits of classical music. But I try to work with pride. Although it is a burden, I feel proud thinking that I am the only one who can perform movie music, classical music, and jazz music. I hope the audience finds the March movie music concert more enjoyable than expected and also comfortably enjoys the April classical music concert."

Danny Gu will celebrate his 10th anniversary since his debut in Korea next year. To mark the 10th anniversary, he plans to release a new classical album. Before that, he will release a vocal album in March this year. He said, "The album coming out in March contains various music genres including jazz," and added, "I am planning a nationwide tour around June next year while releasing the classical album."