Cello Travels with Myung : Sam Koo

Being married to a concert cellist/teacher has its perks. One fringe benefit I particularly enjoy is travelling with her to major international cello competitions: Brussels, Bucharest, Geneva, St. Petersburg, Seoul, Tokyo, Helsinki....

Unlike concerts by established musicians, hearing the next generation masters gives you that extra excitement and anticipation of discovering new talents, big talents sometimes. Most of today's most important classical musicians are winners of competitions.

For my wife, Myung-Wha Chung, judging talented young musicians is intense, high pressure work. But as her critiquing partner (and cello carrier), I sit back to enjoy them all, often making notes for a later discussion with her. 

But when I get tired from nonstop music-making, I step out for a stroll as I do here in Brussels, a beautiful city basking in the splendor of May, just about the best month here. 

On a rare evening off, we sample the best the city of good eats offers. Last night we went to an upscale bistro and dined on a menu of plump asparagas, scampi, beef bone marrow and veal kidney, washed down with champagne and unusually flavorful Cote du Rhone.

With Francoise Ackermans

The Concours Reine Elisabeth (2022 Queen Elisabeth Cello Competition), one of the top three cello competitions along with the Tchaikovsky (St. Petersburg) and Paulo (Helsinki), which is held once every 5 years, is a month-long affair. All told, more than 160 young cellists from around the world applied this year. Through the preliminary video performance screening, the number was reduced to 68 who were then brought to Brussels for the second round. After six days of 3 to 11 pm daily performances, 24 semifinalists emerged.Then after another 6 days of recitals and concerto playing with an orchestra, 12 finalists are chosen. The top winners are given cash prizes and more importantly, opportunities to appear in concerts and recitals in major venues. The high-profile exposure thus accorded often helps them kickstart their careers.

Attesting to the importance the Belgians attach to the competition, Queen Mathilde attends the opening and all six sessions of the finals.

It is judged by a panel of 9 to 13 prominent cellists and veteran teachers. The Queen and the Prime Minister each hosts a luncheon in their honor.

I look forward now to next year's Paulo Competition in Helsinki. 

After 60 years of active performing, Myung is now at last retired.  On the one hand, this means no more cello carrying for me and I miss her playing. On the other hand, she is happy and grateful for a happy conclusion to a long and successful career - and so am I.