[On Stage] KNUA Professor Hongcheon Yoon: "I Want to Be a Teacher Who Truly Listens"

For pianists, the Chopin Competition may be an even more coveted stage than the Olympics are for athletes. This is because it is held only once every five years and has an age limit, allowing only those under 30 to participate.

The competition held in 2010, marking the 200th anniversary of Chopin's birth, was Hongcheon Yoon's last chance. However, Yoon did not participate. He said, "It was an easy decision." This was due to his experience at the Cleveland Competition the previous year.

"I played really well in the final round. I expected to win first place, and everyone around me thought the same. The result was third place. At that moment, I decided, 'It's time to let go of competitions and set aside my ambitions.'"

Although his result fell short of expectations, he recalls, "I gave a performance that truly felt like a real recital." Perhaps, in what was not quite a failure, he realized what it means to give a genuine performance.

Hongcheon Yoon, Professor at the Korean National University of Arts College of Music
Photo by SBU

Appointed Full Professor at KNUA: "Playing the Piano Should Be Enjoyable"

Last month, Hongcheon Yoon was appointed as a full professor at the Korean National University of Arts College of Music. On the first day of this month, just before the start of his lectures, he met with us in his office at KNUA.

The Cleveland Competition took place right after he completed his studies at the Como Piano Academy in Italy from 2007 to 2008. He said that his two years in Como helped him rediscover the joy of playing the piano.

"Before Como, I studied in Germany under a single, very strict teacher. In Como, however, I learned from several teachers, each with their own unique style. I realized that the most important thing is to move the audience by expressing the emotions I feel while playing."

Based on this realization, Professor Yoon aims to avoid rigid teaching methods at KNUA and instead nurture each student's individuality. "Above all, it's important to enjoy playing the piano. I want to create an atmosphere where students can truly enjoy performing. I hope to be a teacher who listens carefully to my students' performances."

"Music Should Take Precedence Over the Performer"

Currently, he resides in Berlin, Germany, and is actively performing across Europe. Since he will need to stay in Korea during the academic year, he recently secured a new residence near KNUA. He said, "I'm worried that my performance activities might decrease once I start teaching," but added, "Fortunately, KNUA is supportive of performance activities." In fact, he is scheduled to give a solo recital at Bucheon Art Center on September 6.

For this recital, he will perform Brahms' "Three Intermezzi," Liszt's "Piano Sonata," John Adams' contemporary piece "Phrygian Gates," and Rebecca Saunders' "Mirror, Mirror." Regarding Adams' piece, he explained, "It's about 26 minutes long, and the same pattern is gradually transformed and repeated, making you lose track of time." He also mentioned that Saunders' piece is inspired by the fairy tale Snow White, so it should be enjoyable to listen to.

Professor Yoon said that, as a pianist, he wants to deliver music with sincerity. "There are performances where the performer puts themselves at the forefront, and others where the music itself is the focus. When the performer is at the center, the performance lacks emotional impact. I want to give performances where the music is the main focus."