Professor Soyeon Lee: "Juilliard's Strength Lies in New York... Artistic Experiences Nurture Performers"

First Asian Female Piano Professor at Juilliard

"The Importance of Diverse Artistic Experiences... Developing One's Own Interpretation"

September 2 Hic et Nunc Solo Recital

Asian Premiere of Prestini's Work

"Not only is the Juilliard School backed by an outstanding faculty, but the very environment of New York—where you can experience diverse cultural arts up close—is a tremendous asset. Experiences spanning music, visual arts, dance, and more are ultimately interconnected, and together they cultivate a performer's growth."

Professor Julia Lee Soyoun of the Juilliard School of Music explained the school's competitive edge in a written interview with The Asia Business Daily. The Juilliard School is located at Lincoln Center, home to leading U.S. arts organizations such as the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, and the New York City Ballet. The opportunity to regularly experience music, opera, dance, and theater—along with New York’s rich array of visual art and culture—is a key strength setting Juilliard apart from other music schools.

Professor Lee commented, "Although many outstanding students gather at Juilliard, above all it is the educational environment that enables students to deeply understand music and develop their own interpretations."

Julia Lee Soyoun, Professor at Juilliard School of Music. Photo by Lisa Marie Mazzucco

Professor Julia Lee Soyoun is the first Asian female piano professor in the history of the Juilliard School of Music, which was founded in 1905. After studying at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, she was appointed as a professor in Juilliard’s piano department in 2022. When teaching, she places the utmost emphasis on encouraging students to develop their own unique interpretations.

"I aim to help students approach music with a sense of awakening, as if they are encountering it for the first time, opening their perspectives to new possibilities. Rather than simple repetition, I hope they will attempt new approaches. The kind of performer I want to hear on stage is someone who interprets and conveys music sincerely, based on their own imagination, artistry, and, above all, a strong sense of conviction. My wish is for every student to present their own music persuasively and to ultimately reach their truest self."

She hopes her students will mature not only as performers but also as individuals. Professor Lee stated, "I believe I have a responsibility to teach and nurture young people who will shape the next generation—not just as outstanding artists, but as admirable human beings," adding, "This is just as essential and fundamental as my role as a piano professor." Regarding the qualities she finds desirable in her students, she said, "Students who are considerate, warmhearted, honest, who do not obsess over perfection or put on airs, and who can admit their own imperfections, strike me as truly admirable."

Professor Lee Soyoun will give a solo recital at the 9th Hic et Nunc! Music Festival, which opens on August 25. Hic et Nunc is a classical music festival organized each summer by the chamber ensemble Sejong Soloists. The festival’s name, Hic et Nunc, is Latin for “Here and Now.” True to its name, the festival focuses on current trends in classical music, new compositions, and innovative experiments. It is distinguished by its tradition of commissioning works from living composers while also presenting classical masterpieces passed down through centuries. In this ninth edition, a total of 44 artists will perform and participate in 10 programs, including concerts and workshops, running through September 3.

Julia Lee Soyoun, Professor at the Juilliard School of Music. (c)Lisa Marie Mazzucco

Professor Lee Soyoun’s solo recital will be held on September 2 at IBK Chamber Hall, Seoul Arts Center. Professor Lee has worked with renowned contemporary composers to premiere several world premieres; in line with the festival’s theme, she will present the Asian premiere of Paola Prestini's “The Mother Moon's Song,” which she debuted globally in 2024. The program will also include Ravel’s “La Valse,” five pieces from Prokofiev’s ten-piano suites “Romeo and Juliet,” and Schumann’s “Kreisleriana.” She shared, "The works by Prestini and Ravel were ones I especially wanted to perform for this concert."

Both "Romeo and Juliet" and "La Valse" are noteworthy for their strong connections to ballet. Professor Lee remarked, "Prokofiev’s ten piano pieces from Romeo and Juliet are not simply piano arrangements of the orchestral work but are reinterpretations, selecting and transforming musical material for the piano. Similarly, Ravel’s La Valse is infused with the full color and depth of the orchestra. While reflecting on that orchestral richness and depth, I hope to also highlight the unique charm possessed only by solo piano."

Professor Lee Soyoun recently named British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor as a pianist to watch. She said, "His repertoire ranges widely, from famous pieces to newly discovered works and rare compositions that are almost never performed, all executed across a broad spectrum of styles. In particular, you can sense the deep thought that goes into his repertoire choices." She continued, "Grosvenor’s performances have a particular quality—a distinctive nuance that clearly sets them apart from what is generally considered good playing. He doesn’t settle for the status quo, nor does he ever sound clichéd, yet he never seems overly eager for attention. The naturalness of his interpretation, rooted in intelligence and expressive power, communicates very convincingly." On Korean pianist Yun Hyeok Im, she added, "He is especially young, talented, individualistic, and charismatic—the kind of exceptional pianist for whom further explanation feels unnecessary."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.