GFA International Concert Artist Competition winner, Bokyung Byun, joined us last week while on her “winner’s tour” --a 50+ concert touring experience that is the unique and highly coveted award offered the winner. I’d met Bokyung (“Bo”) a number of years before while judging a competition in Montreal (she won first prize) and so was well-acquainted with her fierce and assertively musical style of playing. Her concert was a big success—both in audience turnout and reaction, and in the sheer musicianship and professionalism she demonstrated from their stage. She spoke thoughtfully to the audience about her pieces, bringing us in closer to her world, and presented the unusual program with ringing certainty. She presented a nice balance of less-often-played works by often-heard composers, such as Tedesco, Gnattali, Brouwer and Tansman, and less familiar composers such as Refik Kaya and Luiz. In all, the audience was treated to a concert of generally unfamiliar pieces played beautifully. (Full program at the end of the post). Following are some photos of her concert and the master class she taught to the Oberlin guitar studio.

Bokyung Byun on stage in Kulas Recital Hall

Bo’s master class was excellent. She was warm and encouraging, and had useful things to say to each of the students who played. First up was Rio Manzanares, with a performance of Federico Moreno-Torroba’s Madroños: