Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hayoung Cho. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hayoung, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
As a violinist, I derive profound satisfaction from my artistic life, which is intricately linked with my performance prowess. The thrill of surmounting musical challenges, the synergy forged with fellow musicians in crafting harmonies, and the joy of imparting my musical universe to audiences are ineffable experiences.
Nevertheless, the musician’s journey often entails formidable physical and psychological hurdles. Extended practice sessions can lead to physical strains such as repetitive wrist and back pains, serving as stark reminders of the physical toll exacted by this profession.
Likewise, there are psychological stresses like stage fright, where the palpitations in my chest before stepping onto the stage can be daunting. Furthermore, the frustration of rehearsals not proceeding as planned can be disheartening. Pursuing musical perfection, a transient art form, occasionally invites self-critique and emotional turbulence, even after investing countless hours striving for flawless execution.
During such moments, I find myself contemplating fundamental choices anew. I reminisce about the elation of creating soul-stirring music, the exhilaration of executing flawless performances, and the gratification of overcoming obstacles. These instances serve to reaffirm my unwavering passion and commitment. As time passes, I embrace the myriad emotions inherent in music-making, transforming fear into fulfillment, thereby reinforcing my dedication to this pursuit.
Through introspection, I’ve come to appreciate that every occupation has merits and drawbacks. The life of an artist or performer brings substantial emotional and physical challenges, yet the fulfillment derived from pursuing and sharing my passion with others is immensely rewarding. Achieving balance, nurturing both physical and mental well-being, and embracing challenges are crucial for artistic growth.
Ultimately, despite occasional uncertainties and adversities, I recognize that the path of an orchestral violinist offers unparalleled fulfillment compared to any other profession. It is marked by numerous triumphant moments, each contributing significantly to my evolution as a musician.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a violinist originally from South Korea, currently residing in the United States for the past six years. I proudly hold the position of Assistant Principal Second Violinist at the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.
My musical journey began unexpectedly at the age of six when I eagerly took up the violin after my older brother’s brief foray into lessons. Initially daunting, practicing and mastering the instrument became not just a skill but a source of immense joy and solace throughout my life.
My passion for orchestral music grew during my formative years, culminating in a transformative experience at a classical symphony festival in Korea where Maurice Ravel’s ‘La Valse’ profoundly influenced my musical aspirations.
After earning my bachelor’s degree in violin performance in South Korea, I ventured to the United States, where I further honed my skills at the Aspen Music Festival in 2017. This exposure to a vibrant musical environment solidified my decision to pursue advanced studies abroad, ultimately leading me to LSU for my master’s degree.
Joining the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra marked a significant milestone in my career, where I strive to not only play notes but also infuse each melody with genuine emotion, creating meaningful connections with audiences. My dedication to orchestral immersion reflects my commitment to the demanding yet rewarding pursuit of musical excellence.
Throughout my journey, I have navigated the complexities of solo performance versus the collaborative spirit of orchestral music. The competitive audition process for orchestral positions tested my resilience, demanding a level of mental fortitude beyond technical proficiency.
As an orchestral musician, I find profound fulfillment in contributing to collective musical masterpieces and fostering symphonic camaraderie. These experiences define my musical inspiration, propelling me forward on an exhilarating journey of artistic growth and expression.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
As an orchestral violinist, the profound dedication and emotional investment required in our creative journey may be challenging for non-creatives to grasp. Professional violin performance demands more than mere technical proficiency—it entails relentless practice, perseverance through adversity, and a deep connection with music.
Orchestra participation goes beyond simply playing notes on a score; it necessitates a profound understanding of musical essence and a commitment to realizing the composer’s intended collective sound. Non-musicians may struggle to perceive the deeper meaning behind each musician’s role beyond instrument execution. The collaborative nature of orchestral music presents unique challenges where each player must blend their individual voice harmoniously with others, requiring flexibility, adaptability, and intuitive responsiveness to the conductor’s vision. This cooperative effort not only fosters emotional connections and fulfillment but also results in intricate and captivating musical interactions.
From agile string sections to flowing melodies in wind and brass, each section plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious tapestry. As an assistant principal of the second violinist, I take pride in enhancing the ensemble’s sound with depth and resonance, serving a central role between sections.
Renowned conductor Leonard Bernstein underscored the distinctive challenges of second violinists, acknowledging their pivotal yet often overlooked role in orchestral harmony. I am proud to quietly but consistently fulfill my role, recognizing its indispensable contribution to the orchestra’s excellence.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
The music educational system in Korea, distinctively different from that of the United States, profoundly impacted me. In Korea, I honed a solid violin technical foundation and developed the ability to efficiently and quickly tackle challenging passages in music. However, this came with the requirement to strictly adhere to the teaching styles of my instructors, which made it difficult to explore music and realize my ideas freely.
This educational background initially made adapting to the more flexible learning environment in the U.S. challenging. I felt uncertain about how to express my musical creativity and struggled to cultivate the confidence and originality necessary to create the music I truly desired.
Navigating the transition from the rigorous Korean education system to the American musical landscape presented challenges, particularly in balancing technical precision with personal expression. These experiences have shaped my approach to music, emphasizing diverse interpretations and emotional connections in my performances.
Over time, however, this experience provided me with a new perspective. I gained confidence in approaching performance with fresh ideas and creative approaches. Studying in the U.S. introduced me to a level of freedom and inspirational creativity I had not experienced before, marking a significant turning point in my musical growth.
Additionally, unlike in Korea, I experienced vibrant and interactive communication with audiences in the U.S., effectively conveying deep emotions and gratitude through music. These collective experiences culminated during my participation in the prestigious Aspen Music Festival and School, a pivotal moment in my life. Meeting mentors, colleagues, and non-musicians who share a love for music profoundly influenced me.
Through these experiences, I gained insights and discovered new musical directions in a liberated and creative environment. Collaborating with mentors and peers enriched my musical journey, deepening its richness and complexity. Moreover, interacting with non-musicians underscored the power of music to inspire and move diverse audiences.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: hay0ung_vn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hayoung.cho.94
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@hayoungcho6433?si=lyf7wKHlVsnjYaqM
- Other: https://lpomusic.com/musician/hayoung-cho/
