Sowing Korean Power in Mainstream of World`s Music Society

"It`s time to foster Korean musicians around the world. In the past, the power of our music depended on some geniuses and pushy parents. That does not work any longer."

Lately, Kim Mi-kyung (41), a pianist herself, got to take the second position of the Como L Piano Academy in Italy. The academy is a special educational institute dedicated to training winners of world contests in an intensive manner. It boasts of its renowned faculty. Pianist Baek Hye-sun (Professor at Seoul Nat`l Univ.) was educated here.

"I served on the judging panels in a couple of international concours. I think that may have helped me. In fact, 30-40 judges constitute a circle and take turns in serving on the panels. Once you get into the circle, you have succeeded in securing the vantage point."

She said, "Ever since its foundation in 1993, about 2000 students send their applications every year. But only 7-8 of them are admitted. If one Korean student learned here every year, Koreans would wield a great influence around the world in the future."

She gives credit to Kwon Soon-duk, president of a music consulting firm for having an opportunity at the institute. Kwon is an entrepreneur doing business in Wien and Seoul.

Kwon is also a naturalized Korean-Austrian, having organized many concerts for Korean musicians in numerous European countries like Austria, Italy, Germany and Eastern European countries. Kwon has made efforts to help Kim advance into Europe for 7 years. Kwon has arranged, for example, occasions wherein Korean musicians played a work composed by a Polish, and a Korean musician performed at a theater in Europe.

Kwon has already singed up a contract with the academy to sell the video-taped clips of the lessons over the Internet. Aside from this, Kwon is pushing for construction of Musikzentrum Wien having 2000 seat in Wien, Austria. The facility will accommodate a dorm and studios for performers.

Kwon showed confidence and zeal, and said, "When enthusiasm of the performer gets teamed up with the idea of an organizer, Koreans will match Jews in the world."

Yoon-Jong Yoo gustav@donga.com