78-year-old musician to perform Mozart in 22 Asian cities through November
Pianist Paik Kun-woo has embarked on a nationwide tour to mark the completion of his Mozart Piano Works trilogy. “Kun-Woo Paik: Mozart Piano Works 3” was released by Universal Music Wednesday.
This album follows the first and second volumes, which were released in May and November 2024, respectively, completing the pianist’s long-awaited Mozart recording project.
For the third album, Paik curated a repertoire centered around Mozart’s "Fantasia in C minor," one of the composer’s most dramatic and profound works. The album also features "Six German Dances," "Adagio for Glass Harmonica" and "Little Funeral March." The album also includes “Rondo in A minor,” which Paik, 78, said was the first Mozart piece he ever encountered.
All three albums feature artwork by an elementary school student. Inspired by Paik’s belief that the key to interpreting Mozart’s music lies in childlike purity, the album cover designs were selected through a public contest for elementary school students. Lee Jin-hyung, a third grader, created the winning illustrations, which form a cohesive series across all three albums.
Following the release of his first Mozart album in May 2024, Paik successfully completed the first leg of his Mozart tour, performing in 17 cities.
Following the launch of the third album, Paik commenced his tour Saturday at GS Caltex Yeulmaru Art Center in South Jeolla Province.
In Korea, Paik's tour continues across 17 cities, including Seoul (March 27 and Oct. 26), Gimpo, Miryang, Iksan and Gongju (details to be announced).
Internationally, he will bring his Mozart recital to three Taiwanese cities -- Taichung, Taipei and Kaohsiung -- from March 17 to 23, followed by a performance in Yokohama, Japan, on Sept. 21, and a recital in Singapore on Nov. 4.
gypark@heraldcorp.com
