Shenandoah Conservatory Hosts Piano Faculty and Students from South Korea’s Sungkyul University
On Feb. 6, Shenandoah Conservatory’s voice and piano faculties had the pleasure of hosting visitors from South Korea’s Sungkyul University. Dr. Hye-Young Suh (professor of piano, head of Sungkyul University’s music division), Dr. Soo Ryeon Kim (professor of piano) and Dr. Hyunjoo Rachel Kwak (professor of voice) brought several of their students to spend the day at Shenandoah. Activities included voice and piano masterclasses, lesson observation and a recital presented by Drs. Kim and Kwak that featured selections by Obradors, Handel, and Brahms, as well as Korean composers Dong-jin Kim and Youngsub Choi.
“It was a joy to hear Dr. Kim and Dr. Kwak’s beautiful music-making and to work with their talented students in masterclass,” said Assistant Professor of Voice Fotina Naumenko, M.M. “I love that our shared passion for our art form can bring us together instantly, despite living far apart geographically! It was inspiring to hear their commitment to musical excellence and I hope that we can meet and share music again in the near future.”
“We were delighted to welcome the group from Sungkyul University, to meet piano professors Dr. Hye-Young Suh and Dr. Soo Ryeon Kim, and to share our insights and experiences during our discussions our schools and programs,” said Assistant Professor of Piano Ieva Jokubaviciute, M.M. and Coordinator of Conservatory Teaching and Graduate Assistantships and Associate Professor of Piano Karen Walker, D.M.A. “Our exchange masterclass was a special occasion for us to hear their accomplished students and to have an opportunity for our Shenandoah students to learn from the visiting professors. Graciousness and appreciation led us through the day as we shared conversations and meals.”
