Shin Hyunji - Haegeum Fiddle performer

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Shin Hyunji

Haegeum Fiddle performer



Introduction


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Hello, I'm the leader of the national music team 'Chodong'. music started as a fascination with haegeum has now become my entire life.

I've always loved communicating with people through music, especially the delicate emotional lines and deep resonance of our music, so it was a natural choice for me to pursue this path.

I believe that a concert should be a time to breathe and interact with the audience, not just a show, so I try to look at the audience's reactions and listen to their stories at every performance.

I hope to continue to try new things and challenge myself so that more people can feel the beauty of our music.




Highlight


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Ewha Womans University, Department of Korean Music

2nd place in Buam Gugak Competition

Invited performance at Hanhung Sukyo Budapest

Bronze Medal at the 36th Dongguk Music Competition

3rd place (Joint 1st place) in the 36th Jiyoung Heeguk Music Competition

Grand Prize, Gwangju National Arts Youth Festival, University Division

3rd place in the 23rd Incheon Gugak Festival National Gugak Competition

10th Gokseong Unification National Arts Festival Creative/Fusion Encouragement Award

Selected for Seolleung 2-in Traditional Festival

Member of the Gugak National String Orchestra

Background music for JTBC's Mrs. Ok  

Invited performance at the Korea-Japan Mental Health Association

Ewha Haegeum Ensemble 1st Associate Member

Gugak Ensemble 'Chodong' member




What to expect while doing this


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The haegeum is more than just a musical instrument to me.

The most fascinating thing about playing the harp is that it most closely resembles the human voice: sometimes it sings of joy, sometimes of sadness, sometimes of longing. It's special to me that every time I take a bow, my emotions become the sound of my voice. When I first started playing the harp, I thought I was just learning an instrument, but over time it has become a part of my life. It's like a friend who comforts me when I'm down and laughs with me when I'm up, and I especially love that it combines the depth of tradition with modern sensibilities;

It's a special instrument that gives me the freedom to express all the stories I want to tell..






Interview


Q. What are some of your most memorable places and experiences in nature in Korea?


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The large grassy field behind my grandfather's farm is the site of some of my most special nature memories. As a child, I vividly remember picnics with my family, carefully packed lunches spread out, where we would run and play with the country dog, go for walks, and laugh as we slid down the worn slide. I can still remember the fresh smell of the grass and how it felt under my feet. The scent of nature, the warmth of the sun, and the sound of the breeze that you can't get in the city.

Some of the purest and happiest memories of my life are there. Even now, when I think of that lawn, I feel warm and comforted.




Q.  What does nature mean to you?

 

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To me, nature is an amazing and mysterious entity. It shows itself differently in every season and gives us new impressions every moment: the warm sunshine in spring, the cool breeze in summer, the colorful leaves in fall, and the white snow in winter.

When I'm tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, nature is always there, waiting to give me peace, sometimes as cozy as a mother, sometimes as fun as a friend.

Sometimes nature gives us a hard time, but it always shows us new hope and vitality, like a clear sky after a storm, and teaches us that there is always a bright future after difficulties.

I think nature teaches us life wisdom: how to move at our own pace, how to persevere through difficulties, and how to live with other beings.




Q. What do you want people to take away from the experience and healing you provide?


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I hope that listening to my music will spontaneously bring people face to face with emotions that have been dormant in their hearts. Some may feel the excitement of their first love, others may recall warm moments with their family, and still others may recall old longings. Music allows us to freely express emotions that are difficult to put into words. I hope that it can be a respite for a tired heart, a comforting friend who holds your hand when you feel alone.

I hope that, especially nowadays, when people's lives are busy and challenging, my performances can be a moment to open up and take a look at oneself, and in that moment, find new hope and courage. Most of all, I hope that when the audience leaves the concert, they feel a little lighter and warmer.

That's the biggest thing I hope to convey with my music.