Arts Council Korea and Music Journal’s “The Arts We’re Paying Attention to Now”: Classical Music Through Performance and Conversation

[Financial News] “At salon performances, where you are close enough to sense the performers’ breathing and the audience’s expressions, you can feel the degree of immersion and connection in the air.”

Kim Hee-sun, editor-in-chief of Music Journal, who runs “The Arts We’re Paying Attention to Now,” jointly planned with House of Artists at Arts Council Korea, described the appeal of small-scale performances this way.
“The Arts We’re Paying Attention to Now” is one of the “House of Artists Jointly Planned Programs,” a series of classical performances and talks that spotlights musicians.
Launched in May last year, it is now in its second year.
Editor Kim identified “a thirst for communication” as the starting point for the program. The idea was that a gap still exists between classical music and the public, even in Korea, which has produced world-class classical musicians and has fans of all ages.
He told Financial News recently, “The spotlight is concentrated on a small number of musicians, and the audience remains limited to enthusiasts,” adding, “For much of the public, classical music is seen as something ‘so near, yet so far.’”
Editor Kim believed that bringing the depth and discernment built up by a specialist publication with a 37-year history together with the House of Artists venue could create new encounters. He said, “The House of Artists lounge’s uniquely calm yet comfortable atmosphere and its full-size Steinway piano make it an ideal setting for a salon concert,” adding, “The program came together by bringing the House of Artists as a venue and Music Journal as a source of content together.”


The series invites musicians who have caught Music Journal’s attention through its reporting and interviews, and includes talks and audience Q&A between performances. Editor Kim said, “We look at whether they have an artistic language of their own that isn’t swayed by trends or prevailing currents, and whether their artistic work makes a positive contribution to the music world and society.” He added, “Given the nature of the program, whether they are comfortable communicating beyond their performances is also one of our criteria when inviting them.”
The first four performances early in the program’s inaugural year introduced emerging performers, while in the second half of the year it invited established musicians who had steadily built their own musical worlds. He said, “We’ve had a higher success rate in securing performers than last year,” adding, “If the first year was a time of promotion as the program found its footing, this year is a period of growth in which its identity is becoming clearer.”
Violinist Han Su-jin, invited to perform last September, was another case of a connection made in the pages of the magazine carrying over to the stage. After interviewing her as a cover subject several years ago, the magazine met her again for its September issue this year. The release of her second album, recorded with the English Chamber Orchestra, and its commemorative tour were also factors, but her approach to music left an even deeper impression.
Editor Kim called her “a performer with a large fan base,” saying, “I admired many aspects of her, including her pure passion, boundless imagination and sincerity toward the next generation.” He also noted that her literary sensibility, writing ability and eloquence made her a good fit for a program combining performance and conversation.
Since the program launched, unexpected moments have occasionally occurred in the audience. Pianist Kim Song-hyun performed a piece that hadn’t been planned, to accompany a recited text. At cellist Park Geon-woo’s performance, a child asked how tall the performer was, prompting laughter from everyone.
Editor Kim said, “Talks and Q&A, which are difficult to include in conventional classical concerts, bring warmth to both performers and audiences.” Asked about the audience makeup, he said, “I’d guess it’s about a 7-to-3 ratio of enthusiasts to newcomers,” adding, “I hope more people will come because they enjoy classical music and the program itself.”
Meanwhile, “The Arts We’re Paying Attention to Now” will continue with violinist Lee Mi-kyung on the 27th, pianist Kim Tae-hyung on November 24, and pianist Yoon Hong-cheon with students on December 3.



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