Pianist Han Ji-ho, 33, often carries the title of 'youngest.' He first gained recognition in the global music scene by winning third place at the Vienna Beethoven International Piano Competition in 2009 as the youngest and first Korean participant. Last year, he became the first and youngest professor in the piano department at the prestigious Indiana University in the United States.
Han was appointed as the successor to the late master pianist Menahem Pressler (1923–2023), who passed away two years ago. For Han, who has won various international competitions, stepping into Pressler's shoes as the youngest professor is no easy task. On the 23rd, he met at the Seoul Arts Center ahead of his piano recital titled 'The Little Prince' on the 6th of next month.
Han, who started playing the piano at the relatively late age of 11 compared to typical majors, earned his bachelor’s degree from the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen, Germany, followed by his master's and advanced performance credentials from Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media. He won the 'Seoul International Music Competition in partnership with LG' in 2014 and received second place (without a first place) and the audience award at the ARD competition in Germany that same year.
- What motivated you to become a professor?
I often had opportunities to conduct masterclasses for children while performing. I found joy in teaching and felt it rewarding to share my experiences as a performer with piano majors and help them excel. At that moment, an opportunity arose for me to walk the path of an educator.
- Why did you choose Indiana University?
I was well aware that Indiana University is a prestigious music school in the United States. Additionally, I have long been a fan of the piano master Pressler, who taught there until he was 99. After Pressler's passing, while following his legacy as a fan, I coincidentally came across a job posting for a professor position at Indiana University. I had positive feelings about the change as an educator, so I hurriedly prepared and applied, achieving good results.
- The roles of a performer and a professor must be quite different.
While it involves handling the piano, there are indeed many similarities and differences. A performer contemplates how to perform well and practices, whereas a professor must help students perform well. In terms of technical aspects of hand usage, as a performer, I understand my hands well, but students have different hand shapes and ways of playing. Like a doctor, I had to think deeply to provide each student with the appropriate prescription. In that process, the know-how gained from my extensive performing experience proved helpful, and as I considered teaching methods appropriate for students, my own performances improved.
- What differences were there between music education in Germany and the United States?
Many famous composers like Beethoven and Brahms are from Germany. This reflects the seriousness and long-standing tradition of the German people towards music. In education, Germany emphasizes tradition in interpreting pieces and performance skills. In contrast, the atmosphere in the United States is relatively free. In my case, I studied under a Jewish master in Germany, who valued tradition but had a flexible approach to piece interpretation. This experience greatly helped me balance the contents learned in Germany as a professor in the United States.
- If you have a conviction you want to uphold as a professor, what would it be?
Before saying anything to students, I want to practice it myself. I once had a lesson with a Chinese pianist living in London who insisted on having lessons only at 6 p.m., which made me curious about the reason. Even in their mid-80s, they needed practice time from morning until evening. That master taught how to perform based on what they practiced during lesson time. Since then, I resolved that any advice I give should be based on personal action. This is why I always ensure I have practice time before starting classes at the university.
- Why did you choose 'The Little Prince' as the theme for this recital?
My favorite book is 'The Little Prince.' Even after reading it multiple times, each sentence makes me ponder deeply. Whenever I compose a concert program, I often want to make it special; I thought it would be interesting to curate music that fits the scenes and characters from my favorite book, 'The Little Prince.' Previously, I conducted a small concert program based on 'The Little Prince' as a test, and it received a good response. The book is so famous that audiences who are familiar with it understand the performance better.
- Which piece from the recital best embodies the message of 'The Little Prince'?
The eighth piece is 'The Rose of The Little Prince.' I arranged Rachmaninoff's Cello Sonata in G minor, Op. 19 for piano. The Little Prince believed that the rose he had was unique, but he became disappointed after seeing numerous roses in a rose garden. At that moment, the fox tells the Little Prince, 'It is the time you have spent with your rose that makes it so precious.' This scene conveys the message that even if what we possess seems insignificant compared to others, the time and affection intertwined within it make it special. I really liked this message, and I believe Rachmaninoff's piece expresses it well. Every time I perform this piece, I reflect on the message of 'The Little Prince,' and it brings me joy. I wish to convey that feeling and message to the audience as well.
- What do you hope the audience gains from this performance?
Reading 'The Little Prince' makes me feel a sense of emotional purification. Music similarly cleanses a soul burdened by reality and softens arid emotions. I believe that living a good life means taking the time to focus on emotions while not missing the beauty of the world. Through this performance, I hope that audience members, who live in a harsh world, become sensitive to the beauty of the world.
- What are your goals for the future?
Both performance and education are fields of communication through music. If I have the opportunity to communicate with more people through music, I would like to challenge myself in various ways, whether conducting or composing. I learned a little about conducting during my university days while majoring in piano, and I had fun memories from that time, so I want to do more in the future. As for composing, I still compose for the piano solo part if there is an orchestral piano concerto. I believe these challenges can help develop my musical inspiration. There is a desire within me to enjoy music even more while engaging in it.