Profile 
 
Soprano Cristina Injeong Hwang

 Praised for her pure and delicate tone, lyric coloratura soprano Cristina Injeong Hwang studied vocal performance at Ewha Womans University in Seoul before completing her master’s degree with honors at the Conservatorio “G. Verdi” di Torino in Italy, establishing a solid foundation for her professional career. She has won numerous prizes in national and international competitions, gaining recognition for her musicality. Subsequently, she was selected as a resident artist at Teatro alla Scala in Milan, marking the beginning of her international career. At La Scala, she has collaborated with renowned conductors such as Riccardo Chailly, Daniel Harding, and Alberto Malazzi, and has performed as a soloist in major works including Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle, Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy, and Puccini’s La Rondine. On the opera stage, she has portrayed roles such as Violetta in La Traviata, the Queen of the Night in Die Zauberflöte, and Adina in L’elisir d’amore, showcasing her versatility and artistry. Hwang has also left strong impressions at prominent European festivals such as the Alba Music Festival, MITO Settembre Musica, and Festival de Música de Sant Pere de Rodes. In 2020, she co-founded the Freitag Lied Duo with pianist Mirko Bertolino, actively engaging in the fields of chamber music and art song, particularly throughout the Piemonte region. Celebrated by fellow musicians and critics alike for her smooth high notes, refined phrasing, and profound interpretations, she was awarded the “Il Premio Internazionale Arca d’Oro Italia Giovani Talenti” in 2021. Based in Milan, she continues to share deep musical connections with audiences across Italy, Korea, and throughout Europe. 

 
Pianoforte Mirko Bertolino

 Known for his sensitive and emotive performances, Italian pianist Mirko Bertolino graduated with top honors in both piano and chamber music from the Conservatorio “G. Verdi” di Torino. He later completed advanced performance diplomas at the Accademia di Musica di Pinerolo and the Haute École de Musique de Lausanne in Switzerland, further refining his artistic depth. From an early age, he was recognized for his outstanding talent, winning prizes in prestigious competitions such as those organized by Marco Fiorindo, European Music Competition di Moncalieri, Grand Prize Virtuoso, and Gaspari da Salò di Brescia. As both a soloist and chamber musician, he performs with ensembles such as Trio Juvara, Trio Agape, and the Freitag Lied Duo. He has shared the stage with world-renowned artists including violinists Bruno Giuranna and Amiram Ganz, performing works such as Brahms’ Piano Quartet in G minor, Op. 26. Notably, he performed with Trio Juvara at the Italian Chamber of Deputies in the presence of President Laura Boldrini, and has appeared at venues including the Vatican Museums in Rome and the Zephyr International Chamber Music Festival. Bertolino has been invited to perform by various prestigious institutions such as Unione Musicale, Camerata Ducale, La Fondazione Renzo Giubergia, and De Sono Associazione per la Musica. He is currently active throughout Italy as a sought-after performer. 

 
Freitag Lied Duo

 Freitag Lied Duo was founded in 2020 by soprano Cristina Injeong Hwang and pianist Mirko Bertolino under the mentorship of Professor Erik Battaglia at the Conservatorio “G. Verdi” di Torino. Since then, the duo has performed in a variety of venues including the conservatory’s concert hall, Teatro Vittoria, and the Royal Palace of Venaria. They were selected for the "Musica da Camera in Jeans" project by Associazione Sistema Musica, dedicated to promoting young artists in the Piemonte region. For this series, they presented songs inspired by Goethe’s Wilhelm Meister, including settings by Beethoven, Schubert, Schumann, and Wolf. They also performed works by Tosti, Respighi, Debussy, and Ravel in the 46th chamber music season in Alba, and featured Mussorgsky’s The Nursery during the De Sono 2023 season. While originally formed as an art song duo, Freitag Lied Duo has expanded its repertoire to include chamber music works with various instruments, such as Ravel’s Chansons madécasses, Schubert’s Der Hirt auf dem Felsen, and Fauré’s La Bonne Chanson. With active careers as solo artists and ensemble performers, the duo continues to present heartfelt and moving performances through their annual recitals.
 
 

Program

E. Chabrier "L’invitation au voyage for soprano, bassoon and piano"

 
F. Schubert "Auf dem Strom, D. 943 for soprano, horn and piano"
  

M. Ravel "Chansons madécasses, Op. 78 for soprano, flute, cello and piano"
 

1. Nahandove, ô belle Nahandove

2. Méfiez-vous des Blancs

3. Il est doux de se coucher

Intermission

J. Brahms "Zwei Gesänge Op. 91 for voice, viola and pianoforte"

1. Gestillte Sehnsucht. 

2. Geistliches Wiegenlied. 

 
D. Shostakovich "7 Romances on Poems of Alexander Blok, Op. 127 for soprano, violin, cello and piano"

1.  Song of Ophelia
 2. Gamayun, the Bird of Prophecy
 3. We Were Together
 4. Gloom Enwraps the Sleeping City
 5. The Storm
 6. Secret Signs
7.  Music