BY LAURA BIEMMI
Join us throughout the week as we bring you our official countdown to the Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition, kicking off July 1! You’ll get to read about the composers, performers, judges, and more from some of CutCommon’s leading writers!
The Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition nurtures and promotes the world’s most vibrant young chamber groups.
Founded in Seoul in 2016, the Baum Quartett has won second place in the Salieri-Zinetti International Chamber Music Competition and its members are students of the Masters of Chamber Music program at Hamburg’s Musikhochschule.
We speak to cellist Hang-Oh Cho, a former student of Australia’s own Li-Wei Qin, about the human quality of chamber music, the importance of sharing ideas with fellow musicians, and the international significance of the MICMC.
Congratulations on securing a place in the Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition! How does it feel to be a part of this world-renowned competition?
It is of course a huge honour, but it also poses a positive challenge for our career. We are extremely excited because [MICMC] is one of the most outstanding competitions for chamber music.
What makes your ensemble unique in its approach to chamber music?
Comparing to solo instrumental work, we have to truly understand each one of [our] members’ personalities and attitudes. In terms of consideration for others, we must place absolute trust in each other while remaining sensitive to the dynamics [among us].
What are some of your favourite elements of the repertoire you’ll be performing?
I am not sure if I can name a favourite. We mainly seek to tell a story through and with the composers’ messages.
What is the highlight of your time together as an ensemble?
First of all, our rehearsal time is absolutely fun. We love pursuing the truth in the music, sharing each other’s ideas and debating the interpretations of the pieces.
We try to share results of our rehearsals with our audiences. It is important to remain sensitive and responsive to feedback.
What would winning this competition mean for your ensemble?
For us, this level of recognition would be a much-needed confidence booster. It would definitely encourage us on our path of pursing our dreams.
Why is playing chamber music important for musicians?
In comparison to operatic or symphonic music, chamber music is normally written for composers’ colleagues or important people. It is about human connections and effective relationships. There is a strong personal and autobiographical dimension to these pieces.
How can this form of music help musicians connect with audiences?
Chamber music is popular for classical music fans who are really crazy about music. However, the string quartet might be able to arouse more interest by incorporating other musical genres and elements [into their repertoire], such as jazz, bossa nova, rock music, and even a capella.
How do you think MICMC will shape the future of chamber music?
MICMC is already a world-renowned chamber music competition. It portrays a brilliant and lively image of Australian culture to the world. I am convinced that it will impact the chamber music scene on a global scale.
And before we sign off…what are you first impressions and expectations about Australia?
Australia is located so far from the other countries that I am familiar with. I have heard that Sydney is very fancy, Melbourne is the best city for living, there are beautiful beaches in Queensland, and the nature is sublime.
Hear the Baum Quartett compete at the Melbourne International Chamber Music Competition, 1-8 July 2018.
This year, Stephanie is working with Musica Viva to help promote the artistic talent bringing you MICMC. She has brought some of CutCommon’s leading writers along for the ride, and you’ll get to read some of their story commissions throughout the week as part of our MICMC Countdown!
