Kyung Wha Chung, violin
with Kevin Kenner, piano
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at 7:30PM
Matthews Theatre
Run Time: 90 minutes
Born in South Korea, Kyung Wha Chung is recognized throughout the world as one of the finest violinists of her generation. A prolific recording artist, her dazzling and probing artistry has made her a much-acclaimed performer throughout her 50-year career.
Lauded for her passion, her musicality, and the intense excitement that she brings to her performances, Chung’s uniquely expressive interpretations of the violin literature have established her as an artist of the very highest stature. She has received many prizes and honors, including the Medal of Civil Merit, the government of South Korea’s highest honor.
She returns to McCarter for the first time in nearly 40 years.
Program (subject to change)
Schumann Violin Sonata No.1
Grieg Violin Sonata No.3
Franck Violin Sonata
바이올리니스트 정경화와
피아니스트 케빈 케너
2025.11.5. 수요일 오후 7:30
한국이 낳은 세계적인 바이올리니스트 정경화는 한 시대를 대표하는 뛰어난 연주자로 인정받아 왔습니다. 50년에 걸친 음악 인생 동안 눈부시고 깊이 있는 예술성과 왕성한 음반 활동으로 전 세계 청중의 사랑을 받았습니다.
정경화의 연주는 열정과 음악성, 그리고 강렬한 감동으로 끊임없는 찬사를 이끌어 냈으며, 바이올린 레퍼토리에 대한 독창적이고도 표현력 있는 해석으로 최고의 예술가로 자리매김했습니다. 또한 대한민국 정부의 최고 영예인 국민훈장을 비롯해 수많은 상을 수상하며 그 업적을 인정받았습니다.
정경화가 40년 만에 다시 찾는 맥카터 극장에서의 무대가 선사할 특별한 순간을 함께하시기 바랍니다.
프로그램 (변경 가능):
슈만 바이올린 소나타 제 1번
그리그 바이올린 소나타 제 3번
프랑크 바이올린 소나타
Translation provided by Susie Kim.
From the Desk of Paula Abreu
I’m thrilled to welcome Kyung Wha Chung, one of the world’s most extraordinary violinists, gracing our stage for the first time since 1987. A true trailblazer, she was among the first South Korean musicians to gain international recognition and has inspired generations of artists—including celebrated pianists Lang Lang, Yuja Wang, and Yunchan Lim.
Her remarkable career took off when she tied for first place at the prestigious 1967 Leventritt Competition with Pinchas Zukerman. In 1970, she stepped in at the last minute to replace Itzhak Perlman with the London Symphony Orchestra, leading to an exclusive recording contract with Decca—the first for a Korean artist.
On this North American tour, with only four appearances—including Carnegie Hall—we’re truly fortunate to welcome her back to McCarter, joined by pianist Kevin Kenner, in a program that promises intensity, lyricism, and virtuosity.
Best,
Paula Abreu
Director of Presented Programming, William Lockwood, Jr. Chair
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