AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – The West Texas A&M University School of Music is hosting a concert by the symphony orchestra, featuring a South Korean graduate student in piano.

Minkyoung Song performs the first movement of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with the orchestra at his concert, 7:30 p.m. on February 19 at the Mary Moody Northen Recital Hall.

Dr. Mark Bartley, Music Teacher Lilith Brainard, Director of Orchestral Activities and Associate Director of WT’s School of Music, says the concert fosters different experiences.

“It’s a matter of personal perspective, part of the big headliner is Minkyoung Song performing Beethoven’s Concerto, it’s his first concerto,” said Dr. Mark Bartley.

Song met with WT faculty and students when they visited his home country in May 2019.

WT musicians have performed at Suwon University, National Changwon University, and Seoul International Center for the Performing Arts.

Song went to a masterclass led by WT piano teacher Dr. Choong-ha Nam and enjoyed the class so much that she decided to apply to study at WT.

Song began earning his master’s degree in January 2021 at WT.

“I think WT is the best environment to study,” Song said.

Since her studies at WT Song, she has impressed teachers with her talents.

“She’s a delightful musician and an incredible pianist, and she plays the (Beethoven) piece very well,” said Dr Choong-ha Nam.

Song has won the Concerto WT competition hosts and thanks to this, she will be able to showcase her skills at the orchestra concert.

The competition is offered every two years and is open to undergraduate and graduate students.

“The competition is fierce, each of the divisions determines its finalists, and there is a competition before the competition. There are two finalists from each division: two woodwinds, two brass, two strings, two singers, two pianists and two percussionists,” said Dr. Mark Bartley.

Dr. Mark Bartley says he chooses outside judges to choose the overall winner from the 10 musicians.

“She imposed herself. She was the best of the best,” said Dr. Mark Bartley.

Dr Choong-ha Nam said: “She is a diligent student and her work on Beethoven and other pieces she is working on has been truly remarkable to watch and be part of her journey to becoming a better musician and a best pianist. was really comforting.

Song is looking forward to the concert and is grateful to have the opportunity to be a soloist.

“It is such an honor to play with this great orchestra and conductor. I’m very happy to play with them,” Song said.

Song hopes the audience will leave happy after the concert.

“After my performance, I hope the listening audience can find energy and lift their spirits in this harsh pandemic,” Song said.

Dr. Choong-ha Nam said, “The diverse genre of music that will be featured in this concert will be quite unique.”

The concert will include: the Hungarian March by Hector Berlioz, the Elegy by Samuel Jones, the Piano Concerto No. 1 in C major by Ludwig Van Beethoven and the Afro-American Symphony by William Grant Still.

“To have someone from across the globe choosing to come here to study with the faculty that we have here at Canyon and then to have them share their artistic vision with us and with the public here is great. She won’t be here for very long, so it’s a real opportunity to encounter some great music from a great artist,” said Dr Mark Bartley.

The concert is free and open to the community.

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