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 The
cello is an attractive instrument. The deep, calm,
and warm sounds of cello have the power to reconcile people and heal their hearts. According
to cellist Song Hee-song, who
is known as Korean mentor of Korean classical
music, the instrument can even help young people build moral character and endurance. Learning how to
play the cello can also help you become a calm and emotionally stable person. On April 30,
The Kids Times had a chance to meet with Ms. Song to learn more about
this amazing instrument.
TTT: You are one of the greatest cellists
in Korea. When did you start playing the cello?
Song: I started learning it as soon as I entered elementary school.
Since all of my family members are classical musicians, it was
natural for me to learn the instrument. The more I play the cello,
the more I fall in love with the instrument.
TTT: What does the cello mean to you?
Song: It is like a religion to me. I play the
cello as if I’m praying. It is an amazing
instrument that can touch people’s hearts. The cello also brings people
together. As I get older, I am able to create
deeper sounds playing my cello.
TTT: The cello is still considered an
unfamiliar instrument to
the general public. What are
your thoughts on this?
Song: I hope more people can enjoy listening
to the cello. Enjoying classical music helps our society become more culturally abundant. Also, it can have
positive influences on young people in many ways. So as a cellist,
I try to help people enjoy listening to the cello by adding explanations. I’m also trying
to create various programs that help
the public enjoy classical music more easily. In addition, I also
visit the public and play cello ensembles outside concert
halls.
TTT: I heard that you are serving the
community by holding cello concerts in
various locations, including prisons.
Song: Yes, I’m trying to offer people
more chances to enjoy the cello. I’d like to help heal people’s hearts
naturally by playing the cello. Classical music can act like a vitamin
in our busy, stressful lives. This is
why I often visit people to play the cello with other cellists.
TTT: Then, learning the cello as a hobby
is actually beneficial to children and
teenagers?
Song: I believe that learning to play
the cello can help young people build their level of concentration and endurance.
It can also help relieve their stress in healthy ways. The cello is
a warm instrument that embraces people, so children
and teenagers can learn how to harmonize with others when learning
how to play the cello.
TTT: You are going to hold your cello
recital on May 14 at Kumho
Art Hall. How long do you practice playing the cello
a day for a concert?
Song: Well, since I’m also busy with
other things such as teaching my pupils, I always feel like I need
more practice. The audience may think my performance is perfect, but
I’m not really satisfied with my performance whenever I play on stage.
I need to keep practicing!
TTT: You have been playing the cello
both in Korea and other countries. What was the most memorable performance?
Song: Well, every single concert is memorable
to me. But I still can’t forget about my first concert
in Russia, about 10 years ago. Back then, Russia was a closed, scared country and I couldn’t
speak Russian at all. But I could communicate with the Russians
through music. I realized that music really is a universal language. It was
an amazing experience for me.
TTT: What are your future plans?
Song: I will keep trying to popularize classical music
through cello ensembles. We can overcome the dull sounds of the cello
through ensembles and make our performances more fun. If the players
enjoy the concert, the audience will also enjoy listening to it. I
will keep teaching my pupils with all my heart;
I’d like to cultivate cellists with warm
hearts. |
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