Seoul, South Korea – HaYoung Choi, the first Korean to win the Queen Elizabeth Competition for Cello in 2022, is known for her versatility and curiosity. Beyond her exceptional talent on the cello, she has a wide range of interests, from jazz drumming to ceramics.
Choi, who will be the resident artist at the Lotte Concert Hall in 2025, has curated a diverse repertoire that spans from early music to contemporary compositions. "I've prepared a variety of programs, including familiar pieces for Korean audiences and more unique selections," she shared in a recent interview.
Her inaugural performance on April 30, 2025, will feature Bach's Unaccompanied Cello Suites and Penderecki's Capriccio for Siegfried Palm. The highlight of the evening will be a joint performance with her violinist sister, HaSong Choi, who will join her for Kodály's Duo for Violin and Cello. This will mark the first time the two sisters have performed together in Korea.
In November, Choi will collaborate with pianist Joachim Kariv for a program featuring works by Debussy, Schnittke, and Grieg.
Choi recently began studying early music and will be performing Baroque works on a gut-string cello with a Baroque bow. "I've become fascinated by the articulation possibilities that are unique to the Baroque bow," she said. On the other hand, she acknowledges that the contemporary works by Penderecki and Schnittke might be "a bit shocking" for some audiences. "I'll be showcasing my expanded technical abilities through experimental and challenging cello techniques," she added.
Growing up in a musically inclined family, Choi and her sisters were exposed to classical music from a young age. Her mother, a classical music enthusiast, always played CDs at home. While none of the sisters initially planned on pursuing music professionally, they all eventually became accomplished musicians.
Since winning the Queen Elizabeth Competition, Choi has been actively exploring new musical territories. "Having this platform has allowed me to perform the repertoire I've always wanted to and collaborate with incredible musicians," she said. "I'm excited to share the vast possibilities of the cello with the audience."
Choi's diverse interests and musical talents make her a unique and exciting figure in the classical music world. As she continues to grow as an artist, it is clear that she will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.
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