Alumnus, Brian Hong, talks AYPO and Sibelius
Molly Schranck
AYPO Alumnus, Brian Hong, will perform Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, Op. 47 with the American Youth Philharmonic as a guest soloist on Sunday, January 19th. In celebration of this performance, Brian reminisced on his time at AYPO, provided some insights into his career as a musician, and gave advice for aspiring musicians today.
Which AYPO ensembles did you play in and how long?
I started in the String Ensemble in 2004 at the age of 11, continuing on in the Symphonic Orchestra and the Philharmonic Orchestra, and was fortunate to have the opportunity to lead the latter two ensembles. I fondly remember my years in AYP under the direction of Luis Haza and then Daniel Spalding.
What musicians inspire you and why?
The musicians who inspire me the most embody musical versatility and sensitivity alongside warmth and kindness. It is my belief that one must have the ability to adapt in the moment and to mold their playing to their situation, and to do so with openness and humility. I have lately been seeking inspiration from wonderful violinists such as Isabelle Faust, Christian Tetzlaff, and Vilde Frang, violists such as Tabea Zimmermann and Kim Kashkashian, and cellists such as Nicolas Altstaedt, Steven Isserlis, and Jean-Guihen Qeuyras.
What is your favorite thing about performing Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, Op. 47?
Jean Sibelius treats the violin and orchestra differently than any other composer to my ears. Both the solo and orchestral lines intertwine and emerge from one another as a single, organic musical mass that glows with a beautifully expansive Nordic tonal palette. This piece is an exhausting emotional journey, from the frosty and angsty first movement, to the deep love poem of the second, and the triumphant, galloping heroism of the third.
What is your favorite memory of being in AYPO?
I recently listened to a recording of Sibelius' First Symphony and was reminded of my experience playing it in AYSO. This was the first symphonic work that I fell deeply in love with from a performance perspective, and I still remember that moment in rehearsal when I realized that the orchestra is truly greater than the sum of its parts, and how it is capable of producing magic when everyone works together.
Do you have any advice for young musicians interested in pursuing a career in music?
I would encourage any young musician to indulge and develop their curiosity. The world of music is a profoundly deep one, and our connections with composers, pieces, teachers, and colleagues must all be developed and nurtured. Ask questions, study scores, and read and perform lots and lots of chamber music! Only then do we truly discover what it is that we each love about music, and that is the source of our continued inspiration and growth.