Cho makes much-anticipated Seattle Symphony debut

Seong-Jin Cho performing with the Seattle Symphony (Photo credit: Brandon Patoc)

On January 27th, Seong-Jin Cho gave a spectacular performance with the Seattle Symphony and conductor Shiyeon Sung. The concert at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall was entitled ‘Celebrate Asia’ featuring composers such as Chia-Ying Lin, Unsuk Chin, Narong Prangcharoen and Young-Sup Choi. Cho played Rachmaninoff’s “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.”

The concert was featured on KBS WATV stating “The most anticipated artist Seong-Jin Cho was the highlight of the night. The first prize winner of the Chopin Competition, Cho overwhelmed the audience with his beautiful music in performing Rachmaninoff’s Paganini Variations. When he finished, the audience gave enthusiastic standing ovations. He returned to the stage to perform an encore and the audiences absolutely loved it!”

Critics raved about Cho’s performance. Jessica Kasi Curry from Northwest Asian Weekly said, “No sooner was Lin’s premiere accomplished, then the pianist that some audience members described as a “rock star” appeared: Seong-Jin Cho. Hailing originally from Seoul, and winner of a gold medal at the Chopin International Competition in 2015, Cho gave a masterful performance of Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, Op. 43. His fingers danced across the keys like Fred Astaire, and at other times, he struck the keys so forcefully he nearly propelled himself from the bench. Watching him seemed to confirm that this year’s Celebrate Asia was about the performers and their achievements as individuals, as men and women, and as Asians. Cho’s performance inspired a lengthy standing ovation — and the gift from him of an encore — Franz Liszt’s, “La Campanella” from Grandes Études de Paganini. A few audience members were seen wiping their eyes.”

The Korea Daily also praised Cho’s dynamic playing.

Check out some highlights from the night: