Sunwook Kim: My Concert Day

What does concert day look like if you’re the soloist? Sunwook Kim reveals how he prepares for a performance, and how he celebrates afterward.

Best way to start the day?

Having a cup of coffee, and sitting in front of the piano to practice is the best way to start the day. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of being refreshed and energised after a morning practice session.

Any last minute practice?

Three to four days before a performance, I focus on finding the freedom to play. I believe that it’s crucial to digest the piece thoroughly and create a flow, so once that’s established, I strive to be free within that piece.

Go to pre-concert meal?

Some kind of juice and banana, sometimes dark chocolate.

Any stage fright?

Sometimes I do but as I entered my 30s, it decreased significantly.

Favourite way to warm up?

I don’t do any specific warm-up routine. I just try to play a few notes!

Best way to get ‘in the zone’?

There are days when I can play well even if I’m extremely tired, and there are days when I can’t play well even if I’m in good condition. So I try to focus and raise my concentration to the maximum just before going on stage.

Any superstitions or good luck charms?

No. I believe that whether it’s in performance or daily life, things should be as natural as possible.

First thing you do when you come off stage?

Change my clothes! After a performance, it usually takes one or two hours to cool down.

Favourite way to celebrate after a performance?

A glass of white wine and a delicious dinner.

Earliest concert memory?

When I was ten years old, I played with an orchestra for the first time. The fact that I was playing with many musicians was like a dream. That‘s why I also started conducting these days.

Favourite memory of playing Brahms’ Piano Concerto?

Definitely when I was at the Leeds Competition in 2006. I am much more mature now than I was then, but this youthful music of Brahms that only an 18 years old can enjoy will never come back again.