Dr. Sookkyung Cho, an associate professor of piano at Grand Valley State University, performed in a faculty artist recital on Sept. 23. The pianist performed classical pieces, such as “Jeux d’Eau” (“Water Games”) by Maurice Ravel and “Davidsbündlertänze” (“Dances of the League of David”) by Robert Schumann. Cho also performed “Chaconne” by Johann Sebastian Bach with only her left hand.
“I first heard (“Chaconne”) and tried to learn it when I was heavily injured in my right hand at the beginning of my college years,” Cho said. “My teacher recommended that piece, but back then, I had very little understanding of music.”
Cho said that as she gained a broader understanding of musicality, she realized the specific techniques she used with her right hand could transfer to the left hand. With her right hand injured, she spent time developing and exploring what her left hand could do.
“I love this piece so much,” Cho said. “That’s why I decided to (include it) in the program.”
Cho is a lover of classical music, and she is also the founder and artistic director of the Grand Valley Piano Chamber Series (GVPCS). GVPCS is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing free, world-class chamber music performances to West Michigan audiences.
“That’s been a huge passion of mine,” Cho said. “We perform all the time on campus and I get very inspired by my students. It keeps me going (and I’ll) never get bored of doing this.”
During her time at GVSU, Cho said her role as a professor has helped her learn and grow as a pianist. Each of her students encourages her in the classroom.
“They’re such unique individuals,” Cho said. “I learn from their personalities, work ethic and passion for music. I hope that I am inspiring them (as well).”
Cho added that she’s learned the most from teachers who were humble and true to themselves and their work. She hopes that the passion and integrity she brings to the classroom and her performances are what students remember.
“I approach my performances as I am,” Cho said. “I am constantly learning and never perfect, and I know that I’m never going to be perfect, but that’s (the) beauty of pursuing music for life. It’s really a lifelong learning process.”
Cho said that after performing in front of students, she feels able to perform in front of anyone. Many of her current and past students attend her recitals, which continues to encourage her as a pianist and professor.
Cho’s recital was the first piano recital that Ella McClintock, a film and video major at GVSU, had ever attended. McClintock left the performance feeling awed.
“Watching (Cho) slowly put her hands on the keys and then start playing was ethereal,” McClintock said. “It was really impressive to see her play entire songs with no sheet music.”
Cho said that she hopes her solo and GVPCS performances will introduce students to more classical music, and grow their love for it. She hopes those in attendance at her latest recital will further be inspired by the classical pieces.
“It was very calming (at the recital),” McClintock said. “I kept (thinking), ‘What’s she going to play next?’”
Cho noted that classical music was a huge part of her childhood. By teaching and performing, she hopes she can help others discover the genre’s historical impact.
“(Classical music) is something that has survived for several hundreds of years,” Cho said. “I hope that Grand Valley students will really discover the beauty of it.”
