Violinist Inmo Yang performs during the "Violinist Inmo Yang Recital with The Korea Times" concert at Seoul Arts Center in Seocho District, Seoul, Sunday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

The Korea Times' annual Spring Concert resonated through Seoul Arts Center Sunday, showcasing a captivating reinterpretation of classical masters by internationally acclaimed violinist Inmo Yang.

In the evening event, "Violinist Inmo Yang Recital with The Korea Times," the 29-year-old virtuoso enthralled classical music fans by shedding new light on the works of Sibelius and Schubert — whom he called "off-centered" musicians of their eras, never fully conforming with the musical mainstream.

Yang, winner of both the Paganini International Violin Competition in 2015 and the Sibelius Violin Competition in 2022, who enjoys a K-pop idol-like stardom, said his program for the evening was a "tribute to those who ventured into and were lost in the musical forests."

"Sibelius identified himself with the 'ghost of the forest' and translated the intense drama that unfolds in nature into the world of sound. While deeply contemplating Sibelius' Op. 106 score, I found a passage that was so strikingly similar to a phrase from Schubert's 'Rondo Brillante' that I repeatedly scanned the score. Afterward, I continued to discover similarities that were too coincidental to ignore," he said about his program.

Fans take pictures in front of a banner displaying an image of violinist Inmo Yang before the "Violinist Inmo Yang Recital with The Korea Times" concert at Seoul Arts Center in Seocho District, Seoul, Sunday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

"Both Sibelius and Schubert were composers who, in light of their respective eras, were outside the mainstream. However, an individual's artistic conviction, regardless of mainstream acceptance, becomes an inspiration that transcends time. Through their music, I want to play pieces that are personal and break the rules. I dedicate this performance to everyone who stays true to themselves, even when it's hard."

Joining with pianist Jonathan Ware, the 100-minute-long recital opened with Schubert's Sonatina for Violin and Piano in D Major D. 384. It continues to include Sibelius' lesser-known pieces like Danses Champetres, Op. 106 and Liszt's Soirees de Vienne: Valsese-Caprices after Schubert, S. 127/6. After the intermission, Yang played two more of Sibelius' pieces, Sonatina for Violin and Piano in E Major, Op. 80 and Three Pieces, Op. 116, before closing with Schubert's Rondo Brillant in B Minor, D. 895.

Yang responded to his enthusiastic fans by performing three encore pieces in succession: Schubert's Schwanengesang, D. 957 - IV. Standchen in D Minor, Sibelius' 5 Pieces for Violin and Piano, Op. 81: No. 1 Mazurka, and Debussy's Beau soir, L. 6, earning a standing ovation from the entire audience.

The audience showed a fervent reaction to Yang's recital, calling it exquisite, and saying it was as "refreshing" and "delicate" as the young musician himself.

Fans wait to meet violinist Inmo Yang during an autograph session after the "Violinist Inmo Yang Recital with The Korea Times" concert at Seoul Arts Center in Seocho District, Seoul, Sunday. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul

"It was incredibly refreshing, like looking at a beautiful landscape painted with clear watercolors," said Kim Hye-in, a member of the board of directors at Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. "He really brought out the best in the violin's characteristics, in a way that wasn't excessive or overwhelming, but delicate and perfectly executed."

Another music fan from a foreign embassy in Korea said she was impressed by the "purity and emotional depth" woven into the musician's performance.

"The performance was remarkably fitting, both in its pristine delicacy and precise execution, reflecting the artist's age and persona. Even the most virtuosic passages were rendered with an effortless grace. The program, thoughtfully curated to highlight the performer's strengths and passions, achieved a perfect balance of unadorned purity and captivating emotional depth, resulting in a sincere and profoundly resonant experience," she said after the concert.

Violinist Inmo Yang performs with pianist Jonathan Ware during the "Violinist Inmo Yang Recital with The Korea Times" concert at Seoul Arts Center in Seocho District, Seoul, Sunday. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

Han Hye-kyung, who was in the audience, said the most striking thing was "how fluid and natural the performance felt." She said that while listening to the three pieces, she felt like she was experiencing a journey through life.

"The first piece evoked a sense of peaceful childhood memories, gentle and serene. The second piece felt like the passionate years of youth, filled with a sense of determination, conflict and a whirlwind of emotions like sadness. The third, a moment of peaceful reflection, like sipping tea by a quiet lake after completing life's tasks," she said. "Also, the violinist and pianist felt like soulmates, walking together through life. I was also impressed by the clarity of the performance and the confidence in the interpretation."

David-Pierre Jalicon, chairman of French Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI), who said it was his first time listening to this kind of duet especially for Sibelius, expressed that the music was as refreshing as the spring.

"His performance has been very nice and it's very subtle. What stood out also has been the good combination of the violin and piano," he said. "Inmo Yang reminds me that Korea has not only K-pop, but also a lot of very talented classical musicians. I'm glad to see that there's a new generation coming up and still continue to make very famous outside of Korea and in Korea as well. Great musician in Korea are very well known in France. K-pop is very popular today but those classical musicians make a good balance I think."

Seung Myung-ho, second from left, the chairman of The Korea Times and Dongwha Group, stands with other dignitaries invited for the "Violinist Inmo Yang Recital with The Korea Times" concert at Seoul Arts Center in Seocho District, Seoul, Sunday. From left are Korea University President Kim Dong-one; Seung; Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo; HD Hyundai Chairman Kwon Oh-gap and former Lotte Corp. Vice Chairman Song Yong-dok. Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul