The non-profit association Poa Piano Research Society achieved a meaningful outcome after an approximately one-year-long journey: the complete performance of all 27 Mozart piano concertos.
The Poa Piano Research Society successfully concluded the special project "The great heritage of music–Mozart's Artistry," which ran for about one year from Aug. 2025 to June 2026. This project presented all 27 Mozart piano concertos over a total of seven performances, drawing keen interest from the classical music community.
In particular, this project, planned to commemorate the launch of the non-profit corporation in Jan. 2025, is especially meaningful because it was not completed by a single pianist but jointly completed as one large cycle by 29 professional pianists from various generations, including students, colleagues and seniors and juniors.
Ju Hee-seong, the art director who oversaw the project (professor at Seoul National University College of Music), said he felt, "Mozart's music is the musical foundation to which pianists must constantly return. Because it is music in which the essence and artistry of the music itself emerge rather than external effects, it was the most fitting choice for Poa's first large-scale project."
For the complete performance, the project chose a string quintet formation instead of an orchestra, producing a clear blend between piano and string parts. This both reduced the realistic production cost burden and became a distinctive feature of the Poa project, giving performers the experience of tight chamber music ensemble.
The project's finale was staged on June 28 at Mozart Hall. Ju Hee-seong, the art director, personally performed Piano Concerto No. 21 in C major, K. 467, bringing the yearlong journey to an end. Ju said, "When the final movement ended, I felt relief and a sense of loss at the same time. Beyond simply completing all 27 pieces, we confirmed that many people shared a profound time through music."
The Poa Piano Research Society's exploration of Mozart does not end here. Beginning Sept. 2026, the series will continue with performances covering all 18 Mozart piano sonatas and major short pieces. On Sept. 3, 8, 22 and 29, a total of four performances will be held in pretalk concert format with commentary at SBM Art Hall in Seocho-dong.
Regarding this sonata project, which is centered on students of Seoul National University College of Music, Ju said, "If the concerto project was work that brought together pianists from multiple generations, the sonata project is a task of connecting that experience to the next generation. We will continue to create a virtuous cycle in which in-depth study leads to the stage."
[Photo] Poa Piano Research Society
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