3.30.12
Assistant Professor Young-Ah Tak Dazzles Audience, Critics in Carnegie Hall Piano Recital

By Southeastern University

Young-Ah Tak has had many memorable performances during her piano career.

Southeastern's assistant professor of piano has played before audiences at the Kennedy Center, New York's Lincoln Center, major halls in her native Korea, and other prominent venues around the world.

But her most recent major recital might be her most memorable.

On March 8, Tak took the stage in front of about 300 people at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall in New York. It was her New York recital debut, and so far, the reviews have been glowing.

"There were a lot of excitement and anxiety leading up to the concert, and I practiced hard to present a polished and meaningful performance," Tak said. "At the end, it was totally worth it."

"I truly enjoyed being on the stage and communicating with the audience."

Tak performed Muzio Clementi's Sonata in B-flat Major, Opus 24, No. 2, Judith Lang Zaimont's Wizards - Three Music Masters, Liszt's transcriptions of Schubert's Gretchen am Spinnrade and Ständchen von Shakespeare, and Schubert's Piano Sonata in C Minor, D.958. It was the first time Zamont's piece had been played in New York, and the composer flew in to see the performance.

One of the reviews, from Harry Saltzman for New York Concert Review, set the opening of the performance with, "one realized that something special was happening; we were in the presence of an extraordinary pianist." In addition to the rave reviews and the response from an audience Tak described as "enthusiastic and sophisticated," her performance grabbed the attention of professional management in New York.

"They offered a sign up with them after hearing the recital," she said. "This is super exciting because it means my concerts will be professionally managed, and I will have more high-profile concerts in the future."

The concert was presented by the Korea Music Foundation, and lasted about two hours. For Tak, it was an evening she won't soon forget.

"I am so thankful to God ... It was overall a very touching and inspiring experience," she said.

To read the full New York Concert Review recap of Tak's performance, click here.

For more information about Young-Ah Tak, including a calendar of her upcoming performances, visit www.youngahtak.com.