Everyone knows the riddle, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” And the answer: “Practice, practice, practice.”
Where pianist Ben Kim, 23, is concerned, the admonition rarely applies.
“I?m not one of these people who practices mindlessly for 12 hours,” he said. “But the time I do spend at [the piano] is concentrated.”
Good thing.
Two-thirds of his program at An die Musik tonight consists of all-new pieces for the young protégé of legendary teacher and mentor Leon Fleisher, who has proclaimed Kim?s “enormous potential for a first-class career.”
Audiences agree.
Kim?s budding career has taken him on whirlwind engagements throughout Europe with the Bavarian Radio, and the Far Eastern Symphony Orchestra in Russia. He recently became the focus of international attention after taking top honors in the 55th ARD Munich International Music Competition in September.
He began his piano studies at age 5. By 20, he completed an accelerated Bachelor of Music degree program at the Peabody Institute, where he continues studying as a candidate for the Artist Diploma program, the school?s highest distinction.
In the meantime, he performs. Past engagements include performances at the Kennedy Center, with the Baltimore Symphony and, yes, Carnegie Hall?s West Recital Hall.
Tonight at An die Musik, Kim?s repertoire will include Franz Shubert?s Sonata in A Minor, D.537, Chopin?s Etude in F Major, Op. 10. No.8 and Claude Debussy?s Pour les accords, from Douze Etudes.
“The most difficult piece will be the Chopin [Sonata in B flat Minor, Funeral March, Op. 35]”, Kim said. “It?s a visionary piece in four movements and requires uninterrupted concentration for 22 minutes.”
The piece?s finale, he said, is less a melody than an effect, “like the wind moving through the graveyard.”
“We are thrilled to host Ben?s first Baltimore recital since he won the ARD International Competition,” said Henry Wong, owner of An die Musik.
Kim plans a great deal more traveling and performing in the near future before pursuing his dream of starting a music school. For now, he practices and plays, and “can?t imagine doing anything else.”
IF YOU GO
Ben Kim, pianist
» Venue: An die Musik LIVE!, 409 N. Charles St., Baltimore
» Time: 8 p.m. today
» Tickets: $20 /$15 seniors and students, $10 for Peabody students
» More Info: 410-385.-2638
