▲ Concert in Johannesburg
Acclaimed for his exceptional talent and international accolades across Europe and Asia, rising star cellist Gunwoo Park from South Korea recently made his debut in South Africa through an inaugural invitation tour that connected him with local audiences.
▲ Concert in Stellenbosch
Gunwoo Park garnered international recognition as the first Korean cellist to reach the finals of the prestigious Prague Spring International Music Competition, which boasts a 70-year legacy of showcasing some of the world’s finest cellists, including the legendary Mstislav Rostropovich. Park distinguished himself by securing fourth place and receiving a Special Jury Award, marking the beginning of his illustrious career. He has since excelled in numerous competitions across Europe and South Korea, engaging in a diverse array of performances that span both chamber music and solo repertoire.
▲ Live performance for RSG radio programme
During this tour, Park performed at Woordfees, one of South Africa's premier arts festivals, collaborating with renowned local cellists in a chamber music concert. Additionally, he joined forces with the Gauteng Philharmonic Orchestra in Johannesburg, where he received a rousing standing ovation for his performance.
▲ Concert in Johannesburg
In his Woordfees concert, Park included the traditional Korean folk song 'Arirang' in the programme, enchanting South African classical music enthusiasts with the lyrical beauty of Korean melodies. His talents also attracted the attention of local media, leading to a special performance on the South African Broadcasting Corporation’s radio channel, RSG.
At the Johannesburg concert, Park delivered an exhilarating rendition of Brahms’ Double Concerto alongside a prominent South African violinist, captivating the audience and drawing enthusiastic applause.
▲ 요하네스버그 공연
Reflecting on his inaugural performances in South Africa, Park shared, “While I felt both excitement and a sense of trepidation, the genuine connection with the audience brought me immense joy. I am particularly honoured to have had the opportunity to share the stage with such esteemed South African musicians.”
This invitation tour was orchestrated by the Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA), which has been dedicated to promoting emerging Korean artists within the country. In the realm of K-classical music, the Centre previously facilitated invitation tours for pianist Yeon-Min Park and tenor Kyungho Kim last year.
Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) | 주남아공한국문화원
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