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| A scene from the film, "K-Classics Generation" / Courtesy of ATNINEFILM |
By Kwak Yeon-soo
Belgian filmmaker Thierry Loreau, who has seen many Korean classical musicians rise to the top at international music competitions in recent years, says Korea is one place where classical artists can be treated like rock stars.
A total of 37 Korean nationals have won prizes at 25 international classical music competitions held in the first half of this year, according to Kumho Cultural Foundation.
Loreau, who has been broadcasting the prestigious Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition for 26 years, explores what factors led Korean musicians to invade the classic music world in his latest documentary, "K-Classics Generation."
In the film, he interviews the Queen Elisabeth Competition winners soprano Hwang Sumi and violinist Lim Ji-young, the Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition winner pianist Mun Ji-yeong, the Esme Quartet that won the 2018 Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition, as well as their family and teachers.
"Classical music is a question of expressing yourself. The score is same for everybody, but different depending on who plays it. Korean musicians are not only technically great but they've become more expressive and poetic over the years," he said during a recent interview with The Korea Times.
The director, who has made two documentaries about the classical music scene in Korea, including "Korean Music Mystery" (2012), has visited Korea 17 times since his first Korea trip in 2010 to attend Jecheon International Music & Film Festival.
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| Filmmaker Thierry Loreau / Courtesy of ATNINEFILM |
In addition to artists' passion, he points out that Korean music education and parents' devotion have played a key role in Korean musicians' domination at international competitions.
"In Europe, it's more individual. Children have to learn by themselves. In Korea, on the other hand, if the family sees that the child is really good at something, they pressure him or her to do it, saying things like 'it will be nice for you' or 'you will become a star.' In the case of classical music, the mothers start to become the coach ― she would drive her child to all lessons, cook and even support mental health. The child just has to play and not think of anything else," he said.
Despite criticisms, Loreau argues that practicing eight to nine hours a day gives young musicians plenty of time to develop their skills.
"Koreans are so concentrated and mentally strong because they learn that when they are young. I never met somebody frustrated or said 'Ugh, I work too much, my childhood was horrible.' They were all so happy because their parents helped them fulfill their dreams," he said.
He also praised Lim Yun-chan, who won the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in June. "Lim is only 18, but for me, he's the best piano player of all time. It's unbelievable," he said.
Loreau said he hopes European audiences learn about Koreans' mentality, social life and culture through his latest film.
"I think Korea gives a big lesson to Europe. The fact that so many young people love classical music brings freshness to the traditional music. Suddenly it doesn't look old because Korean fans are so enthusiastic and classical musicians are treated like rock stars at home," he said.
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