Many people have been expressing support for Seohyun, a "barinynist" who has been a beginner for five months, for her sincerity.
Seohyun will appear as a special collaborator at the Sol Philharmonic Orchestra's 8th regular concert, held at Lotte Concert Hall on March 13. As a five-month beginner who calls herself a "barinynist (violin+child)," some have reacted sharply, calling it an "entertainer privilege," but when looking at the essence and purpose of this concert, many voices say such controversy is almost groundless.
The core of this controversy is that a five-month beginner will stand on the stage of Lotte Concert Hall, one of the country's premier halls dedicated to classical music. Among some majors and classical enthusiasts, voices were raised expressing concerns about "relative deprivation" and the "dignity of the stage."
But the story changes when you understand the nature of the Sol Philharmonic Orchestra, which is organizing this concert. The orchestra is made up of amateur members who love music purely, not professionals. Seohyun also joined forces with them with the intention of "showing a pure passion for enjoying music rather than the perfection of a professional performer." In other words, this stage is not a contest to show off technique but a festival that conveys the message that "anyone can enjoy music."
A classical insider also spoke up to lend support regarding this "privilege controversy." Organist and university adjunct professor I'm SOLO season 13 contestant Jeong Sook-eun criticized on her social media that "the classical world's extremely conservative perspective is the problem."
Jeong Sook-eun said, "First of all, this is an amateur orchestra performance, and there may be audience members coming to Lotte Concert Hall for the first time thanks to Seohyun's ticket power," and added, "isn't that precisely the popularization of classical music?" She went on to note, "In a capitalist market, the laws of supply and demand are natural," and criticized, "the idea that only the music we perform is 'royal' and orthodox is anachronistic." Filling a large 2,000-seat venue and leading the public to a classical stage also reflects an artist's ability.
The piece Seohyun will perform is Monti's "Csárdás." Although it is by no means an easy piece for a beginner to handle after five months, she has been repeatedly practicing intensely despite a busy schedule. This is not a mere showy event but proof of her sincerity toward music.
Seohyun's challenge itself has the great positive function of "lowering the barrier to classical music." She has volunteered to act as a "bridge" that introduces the charm of classical music to fans familiar with popular music and injects fresh vitality into the solemn classical world.
The performance by a five-month beginner "barinynist" may not be technically perfect. But just as she hopes that "many people will feel closer to classical music through this challenge," the melody Seohyun will deliver is expected to give a stronger resonance than any technique. What is needed now is not a strict standard but warm applause for the courageous challenge of a person who loves music.
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