Jong Hwa Park Piano Recital

Genre Exploration Series II: Variation
 

~ A journey beyond each note—an exploration of form itself
In the second installment of her Genre Exploration Series, pianist Jong Hwa Park delves into the art of the variation. Far from mere ornamentation, the variation form reveals how a single theme can be expanded and reinvented across time, style, emotion, and thought. This recital presents masterpieces by composers from the Classical to the Romantic eras, offering a rich exploration of the aesthetics of transformation and the intellect of form.

The program includes Mozart’s elegant set of variations on an opera aria (K. 455), Beethoven’s monumental Eroica Variations (Op. 35), which foreshadow the theme of his Symphony No. 3, Handel’s Harpsichord Suite No. 1 in B-flat Major—a perfect example of Baroque dance stylings—and finally, Brahms’ Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel (Op. 24), which honors and transcends tradition. Each work moves beyond repetition to embody the composer’s spirit, sensibility, and the artistic values of their time.

Through this series, Jong Hwa Park has pursued an in-depth exploration of various genres in piano literature, expanding her distinctive musical world with performances that are both intellectually rigorous and emotionally resonant. Each variation tells a different story—this concert invites the audience on a profound musical journey.

Program

 
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
12 Variations on 'Je suis Lindor' in E-flat Major, K. 455

 
Ludwig van Beethoven
15 Variations and a Fugue in E-flat Major, Op. 35 “Eroica Variations”

 
INTERMISSION

 
George Frideric Handel
Harpsichord Suite No. 1 in B-flat Major, HWV 434
I. Prelude
II. Sonata
III. Air and Variations
IV. Minuet

 
Johannes Brahms
Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel, Op. 24

 
Profile

 
Pianist Jong Hwa Park

 
“A performance filled with intellectual freedom and emotional expression—never too much, never too little.” – Music Journal Korea
“Virtuosity with clarity, refined interpretation, and genuine Romanticism—Pianist Jong Hwa Park’s Genre Exploration Series.” – AYAF Workbook

Pianist Jong Hwa Park is acclaimed for her precise interpretations and colorful tonal palette. Since her 2010 debut recital in Korea, she has been selected as a Young Artist by the Arts Council Korea and received full funding for four solo recitals under her ongoing Genre Exploration Series. She is also an active advocate for inclusive arts, serving as a faculty member for the International Special Music & Art Festival and donating all proceeds from her recitals to the organization (in 2012, to the NGO HoE for education in Africa).

She was later selected by the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture for a two-year recital support program, further establishing herself through a series of creative and well-received performances.

Park graduated top of her class from Yewon School, Seoul Arts High School, and the Department of Instrumental Music at Seoul National University. She then studied in the U.S., earning both her Master’s and Doctorate degrees in Piano Performance and Literature at the Eastman School of Music with full scholarships. She received numerous accolades including the Korean Embassy in the U.S. Merit Scholarship, Kathleen Finucane Strokosh Scholarship, Avis D. Vaughan Scholarship, Professional Development Fund, and the Janet & William Schwartz Scholarship Award.

Her interest in pedagogy led her to earn a Secondary Music Teacher’s License in Korea. At Eastman, she further pursued music theory, piano pedagogy, accompanying, and chamber music, and served as a piano instructor for non-majors. In 2008, she was invited to teach at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp.

Park has received numerous awards from prestigious competitions including 1st prize in the Umyeon Music Competition, Korea Piano Society Competition, Korea-Germany Brahms Association Competition, and 2nd prize (highest awarded) in the Samick Competition. Internationally, she won 1st prize in the LA International Liszt Concerto Competition and the Grand Prize at the Augustana-Lee International Piano Competition.

Dedicated to nurturing young talent, she has taught at Seoul National University, Yonsei University, Kookmin University, Suncheon National University, Chonnam National University, Presbyterian University & Theological Seminary, Baekseok Arts University, Honam Theological University, LG Household & Health Care Music Academy, and multiple arts high schools including Yewon, Seoul Arts High School, Sunhwa, Kaywon, and Deokwon. She is also active as a juror for national and international competitions, and is frequently invited to give masterclasses and teach at music camps. Currently, she performs regularly as a member of the AYAF Ensemble and Ensemble Creo.