Pianist Son Yeol-eum poses during an interview with The Korea Times at Art Corner H in central Seoul, Tuesday. Son and violinist Svetlin Roussev will present their latest project, "Love Music," at The Korea Times' Spring Concert at Lotte Concert Hall on March 25. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Celebrated for her exquisite artistry, Son Yeol-eum stands out as a leading pianist in Korea.

Son excels not only as a solo pianist but also shines in chamber music, demonstrating a remarkable ability to forge deep musical connections. Teaming up with Bulgarian-born violinist Svetlin Roussev, Son is set to showcase their latest project, "Love Music," at The Korea Times Spring Concert at Lotte Concert Hall on March 25.

As they prepare to grace the stage, Son sat down with The Korea Times to offer a glimpse into her musical universe and the creative process behind the "Love Music" album.

The "Love Music" album was the result of an unexpected moment of inspiration when Son stumbled upon Franz Waxman's "Love Music," a piece inspired by Wagner's opera "Tristan & Isolde."

"The idea came accidentally," Son said during an interview with The Korea Times at Art Corner H in central Seoul, Tuesday.

"Svetlin had this handwritten score, quite a rare find, and despite my familiarity with Waxman's work, this particular piece was new to me. It felt like uncovering a hidden gem, so we decided to bring it to light through this album."

Son and Roussev embarked on a journey to assemble a repertoire that would echo the romanticism of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with a particular emphasis on compositions from Germany and Austria.

"I began collecting music from that time and region, seeking pieces that would resonate with the overarching theme of romanticism," Son said.

Son highlighted the significance of composers like Waxman and Korngold, who transitioned from classical music to Hollywood, pioneering innovative musical styles that formed the basis of film music and influenced popular culture.

"I want people to feel that classical music is relevant to their lives," she said, highlighting her aspiration for the album to bridge the gap between classical music and contemporary audiences.

As the "Love Music" album captivates audiences throughout Korean cities, including Miryang, Daegu, and Incheon, its Seoul debut is a collaborative effort with The Korea Times, marking a significant contribution to the English-language daily's social responsibility endeavors.

"We questioned whether to play the album as is, but decided to deepen the narrative," Son said of the concert's program.

Highlighting the event is Strauss' centerpiece, complemented by Gabriel Faure's Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 1, marking the centennial of the composer's death.

"Faure was a contemporary of Strauss, but he was based in France," Son explained. "Living in Paris and fluent in French as his second language, Svetlin brings a unique perspective to French compositions. Playing French music with Svetlin is always a learning experience for me."

Son described Roussev as a relaxed and easygoing musician, a trait that seamlessly complements her own style.

"Svetlin is like an encyclopedia, brimming with knowledge. I enjoy drawing out and curating ideas from his vast reservoir of knowledge. That's the essence of our harmonious collaboration," Son said.

The violinist also expressed deep appreciation for his collaboration with Son, emphasizing the emotional depth and discovery inherent in their joint performances.

"Her sensitivity, flexibility, her ability to really listen to her partners is in one word, incredible. For me, it was obvious that I'd be blessed to be able to continue making music with her and destiny made it possible, so we continued on a regular basis ever since," he said in a written interview with The Korea Times.

Pianist Son Yeol-eum and violinist Svetlin Roussev will perform for The Korea Times Spring Concert at Lotte Concert Hall in southern Seoul on March 25, featuring music of Korngold, Faure, Waxman and Strauss. Courtesy of Pie Plans

Bringing classical music closer

Son is dedicated to broadening the reach of classical music, a mission that gained additional momentum when she was appointed as the ambassador for Apple Music Classical in Korea in January.

In her efforts to share the beauty of classical music, Son has not only curated a playlist, but also released a special EP for Apple Music Classical. Son revealed that she refined to her playlist "Meno mosso" five times to achieve the perfect balance between piano and orchestral music.

"Without strict guidelines, curating the playlist was a challenge, but it allowed me to create a diverse and balanced playlist," Son said, adding that she hopes it would encourage listeners to explore more classical music.

The special EP "Classical Session: Yeol Eum Son" is a heartfelt tribute to her musical roots, featuring pieces by Hanon, Czerny and Doucet.

"I wanted this project to have a deeper significance," Son said, explaining why she chose Hanon and Czerny pieces, staples in Korean piano education, to resonate with listeners familiar with their foundational role in learning piano.

"Chopinata" by Doucet adds a personal touch to the EP.

"I vividly recall playing Doucet's waltz when I was just six years old," Son reminisced.

"There was this particularly wide octave chord and with my small hands, reaching across eight keys seemed impossible. Yet, as I stretched my fingers, I managed to bridge that octave for the first time. That moment is etched in my memory."

Pianist Son Yeol-eum poses during an interview with The Korea Times at Art Corner H in central Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Overcoming barriers

While establishing her career in Europe when she was in her 20s, Son encountered challenges that stemmed not just from her youth, but also her ethnicity and gender.

"There were moments when I felt the unfairness of being a young Asian woman in a predominantly Western field," Son said.

She sensed a dismissive attitude from some peers and industry professionals who underestimated her, viewing her as a transient figure in the classical music scene, possibly due to stereotypes or prejudices that assumed her career would take a backseat to personal life choices like marriage.

"It felt as though they viewed me as a transitory figure rather than a serious artist," she said.

Since then, the pianist has noticed a significant change in the global perception of Korean culture, particularly in the aftermath of the pandemic.

"It's like stepping into a different world," she said, reminiscing about an encounter with a Finnish orchestra where the PR personnel communicated with her in Korean and another in Spain where musicians showed a keen interest in learning the Korean language.

"The global spread of Korea's pop culture appears to be advantageous for me as well."

Following her "Love Music" concert in March, Son is poised to captivate her homeland audiences in May, gracing the stage with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of its new music director, Jaap van Zweden.

In July and August, she will lead her personal initiative, "Going Home," a project that embodies her directorial acumen, cultivated during her tenure as the artistic director of Music in PyeongChang from 2018 to 2022.

Launched in 2023, "Going Home" unites Korean musicians residing abroad, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

"The project emerged spontaneously, yet it brims with the joy of pursuing an endeavor driven purely by passion," Son said.

"Since our inaugural concert last year, the response has been overwhelming, with many musicians reaching out to participate. 'Going Home' aims to create a network and a sense of home for Korean musicians worldwide."