Glimmers of Respect: Richter-level Pianist Gilels? Krystian Zimerman Praises Young Korean Pianists, Denies U.S. Boycott
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
Legendary Polish pianist Krystian Zimerman, in Seoul ahead of solo recitals, praised South Korea’s piano education as now the world’s best, singling out Cho Seong-jin, Lim Yoon-chan, and Park Jae-hong. He admired packed young audiences and called their playing often superior to his, saying he must adapt. Zimerman clarified a long-running misunderstanding: he never announced a permanent refusal to perform in the U.S., despite a 2009 report; rather, scheduling and management changes caused a multi-year gap and U.S. orchestras then did not invite him. Politically outspoken, he defended criticizing U.S. military projects as legitimate concern for Poland’s safety. Known for strict performance conditions (no recordings or photos, sometimes bringing his own piano), Zimerman will perform 24 preludes in different keys at Seoul’s Lotte Concert Hall with the program revealed only at the concert to share his musical thinking with the audience.
