Programme:
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827):Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-flat major, Op. 110 (1821)
I. Moderato cantabile molto espressivo
II. Allegro molto
III. Adagio ma non troppo – Fuga: Allegro ma non troppo
Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873–1943) – Moments Musicaux, Op. 16 (1896)
No. 1 Andantino
No. 5 Adagio sostenuto
No. 6 Maestoso
Biography:
Korean-American pianist Seoyun Baek began her musical journey at the age of seven, studying with Kijung Han at the Korean National Institute for Gifted in Arts, a program dedicated to nurturing the country’s most promising young artists. She made her orchestral debut just two years later with the Oistrakh Symphony Orchestra in Chicago as the winner of the DePaul Concerto Competition, and performed on WFMT, Chicago’s premier classical radio station, as part of the winner’s showcase broadcast.
Throughout her musical career, Seoyun has consistently demonstrated dedication to her arts earning recognition in various competitions, including the Sejong Competition, Music Teacher’s National Association, Chicago Symphony Orchestra Competition and the Cleveland International Piano Competition for Young Artists. Most recently she was awarded 2nd Prize at the Kendall Taylor Beethoven Piano Competition.
Seoyun has participated in renowned music festivals including Gijón International Piano Festival, Busan International Music Festival, Mannes International Keyboard Festival, Southeastern Piano Festival, and the International Institute for Young Musicians, where she reached the semifinals. She has had the privilege of performing in masterclasses led by Yoheved Kaplinsky, Meng-Chieh Liu, Robert McDonald, Anne-Marie McDermott, and Barry Snyder.
Seoyun is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music, where she studied under the guidance of Professor Alan Chow. She is also a graduate of the Music Institute of Chicago Academy program and is currently pursuing a master's degree at the Royal College of Music in London with Norma Fisher.
Highlights for the 2024–25 season included the Korea Peace Day Concert at the DMZ, and Dame Myra Hess Recital Series in Chicago. Korea Peace Day Concert symbolized hope for peace between South and North Korea, promising the potential for reconciliation in this historically tense region. Upcoming highlights will include the Nanu Concert Series in Seoul, and in recital at St. Pancras Church in London.
