On Thursday, I had the opportunity to interview one of the six winners of the 2016 Orpheum Theatre Concerto Competition, Esther Kwon. She was polite, respectful, and completely genuine. Kwon has a brilliantly bright presence and radiates kindness. She was the former pupil of Vancouver’s own Mark McGregor and will be returning to Vancouver from her studies at McGill University Sculich School of Music to perform at Concerto Extravaganza, a concert celebration hosted by The Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra on October 16th at 2 PM.
Here is a look into my chat with Esther Kwon:
HCUBC: If you had to describe yourself using three words, and only three words, what would they be?
EK: Oh, this is a tough question! I think I’d have to say … weird, creative and passionate!
HCUBC: What is it about the flute that you love (maybe in comparison to other instruments)?”
EK: Well I can only compare it to the piano, but I would say there are less limitations for me with the flute because I have pretty short fingers! I feel like the flute is a tool of expression and communication for me. I can use the flute as a different way to express and communicate with others.
HCUBC: This might be a tough question, but if you had to choose your favourite piece to play out of all the music in the world, what would it be?
EK: Wow so many tough questions! Hmmm, let me think…. I think I would have to choose Fantasie Brilliante (by Bizet). It’s actually what I’m playing on Sunday for the event (Concerto Extravaganza)!
HCUBC: What do you miss most about Vancouver?
EK: Obviously the nature, being surrounded by trees and mountains. But I think I definitely miss the rain the most! Montreal is beautiful but I think I would describe it as grey. Plus, Vancouver’s my home and I have strong ties here!”
HCUBC: Since you are coming back to Vancouver for a concert celebration, what are your opinions of competitions?
EK: Actually I really like competitions! The environment sort of forces me to focus more! I see how I am doing while competing with others and it gives me more motivation to practice and to be better! I think it’s a healthy environment!
HCUBC: How do you get those nerves down before a performance?
EK: I definitely don’t have stage fright but I think everyone gets nervous before performing. I always do some breathing exercises before, like taking deep breaths in and then releasing them. Sometimes I listen to the piece I’m about to play one last time. But breathing is so important especially when playing the flute! If you have a bad start, well, that wouldn’t be good!
HCUBC: I understand that it is your hopes of making music that is sincere and organic, what exactly do you mean by that?
EK: I knew this was going to be a question! Ok, the reason I started with music was to show people the song and it’s emotion. I think it is very important to have a balance between the technical and the expressive. I want to bring out what the composer really intended their audiences to feel during the piece and to do this I have to do lots of research about the composer’s life and background, but I love history so that’s not a problem! I just want my music to be an honest and transparent form of expression!
HCUBC: What has been the greatest difficulty that you’ve faced?
EK: The greatest diffficulty is actually with myself. I love music and there’s a difference between liking it and loving it. Liking it means that you like playing music for joy, but loving it is almost like embracing all parts of it. I have to understand and feel the joy of music but I also have to feel the darkers sides to music. Also, sometimes in the industry, you start to doubt whether or not you are actually any good at it. Trying to stay motivated and finding new motivations is difficult at times. Definitely trying to keep a bright mindset is a good thing!
HCUBC: If you had to give advice to people who are interested in music, what would that piece of advice be?
EK: Everything has a purpose! Nothing happens without purpose! Even when experiencing hardships, remember that 2 or 3 years later, it probably won’t seem that bad. If I had someone tell me that everything was going to pass by at some point in time, it would’ve been easier to get through some hardships. The most important thing if you want to become a musician is to remember that there are lots of people suffering, but music is this invisible medicine that you can use to treat brokenness. Remember to always give, musicians are always learning and then giving!
If you have time to go to the “Concerto Extravaganza”, GO FOR IT, and get your tickets! Esther Kwon will be there sharing her love of music, so go check it out!