A Quartet by Four Rising Stars

What is a common denominator shared by violinist Kim Ji-yeon, pianist Kim Jeong-won, Violist Kim Sang-jin and Cellist Song Young-hoon?

To begin with, they have a beautiful smile that enchants people. Second, they are young tigers in their 20s and 30s who are heading for their prime years. Thirdly, they will be on stage together at Hoam Art Hall at 8:00 p.m. on January 14 to play Mozart and Brahms during the `Kim Ji-yeon and Rising Stars` concert.

Kim Ji-yeon, who drew awe from classic fans worldwide by releasing a number of albums in Japan that include beautiful translations of Frank violin Sonata and Saint-Saens Concerto No. 3, is a pillar in the Korean violinist school.

She gained recognition after winning the renowned Auberry Fisher Career Grant Award in 1990, and is now considered a key figure who bridges the old Jung Kyung-hwa generation and the young Jang Young-joo generation

Kim Jung-won caught spotlight after she lost in the final of the Warsaw Chopin Concur in December 2000, a controversial decision that led to the claim `Kim is a true winner.` Living in Vienna, Austria, she released a solo album and played Beethoven Cello Sonata with Cellist Lee Yu-hong, drawing support from home fans.

Both Kim Sang-jin, who won the Koeln Music School Audition in 1995, and Song Young-hoon, who drew praise from critics after playing at German Lingau Festival last year, are new faces who deserve attention.

The four will play Mozart Piano for Four E Flat Major K493, Brahms for Four No. 1 G Minor 25, Beethoven `Two for Viola and Cello` and many others at the concert. Tickets are sold for 30,000 to 50,000 won. For further inquiry, call 02-751-9606∼9610.

Yoon-Jong Yoo gustav@donga.com