Yeol Eum Son

Poetic elegance, expressive nuance, and bold dramatic contrasts.

Following an explosive Melbourne Recital Centre debut in 2022, South Korean pianist Yeol Eum Son’s virtuosic artistry and brilliance was immediately slated for a near-immediate return. Boldly exploring the 19th century masterpieces of Bizet, Czerny, and Beethoven, Yeol Eum’s profound musicality has earned her acclaim, with critics lauding her ‘breathtaking dexterity and finger control’ (Pianist Magazine) and ‘light, fine-pointed energy and agile precision’ (Sydney Morning Herald). Having made a striking debut with renowned orchestras including the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, NDR Radiophilharmonie, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Yeol Eum’s pianism is an arresting blend of poetic elegance, expressive nuance, and fierce dramatic contrasts.

With technical prowess and quiet intensity, she explores a diverse repertoire with emotional acuity, seeking to unveil what Yeol Eum describes as ‘the pure essence’ of each composition. Never one to shy away from pushing artistic boundaries, Yeol Eum’s curation defies convention. In her only Australian recital, her fearless approach is evident as she takes audiences on an exhilarating journey through Beethoven’s monumental Piano Sonata No.29 in B-flat ‘Hammerklavier’, Op.106. Rarely performed, it stands as one of the pinnacle piano sonatas of all time and is regarded as one of the most demanding solo works in the classical piano repertoire.

Post-Concert Talk

Following this extraordinary performance, Yeol Eum Son joins Melbourne Recital Centre’s Director of Programming, Marshall McGuire, in the ground floor foyer for a 20-minute discussion about her artistry, career, and more. Take a seat and enjoy this perfect conclusion to your musical experience.