Hien DangOn December 19, 2024, violinist Jmi Ko will deliver a special performance at the NEXT Awards 2024. In the luxurious ambiance of the year’s end, the melodies from Jmi Ko’s violin will help guests at the recognition night feel relaxed and ready to embrace a vibrant new year.
In recent years, Korean violinist Jmi Ko has become a highlight on major music stages in Vietnam. She is an international violinist who has been living and pursuing her artistic passion in Vietnam for over 14 years. With her creative versatility, Jmi Ko not only captivates audiences with her outstanding performances but also creates waves on online music platforms. Carrying a deep love for Vietnam, Jmi Ko constantly strives to contribute to and develop her music career here.
Join BusinessWoman Magazine in a conversation with Jmi Ko to learn more about her story and her love for the violin, as she prepares to grace the stage at the NEXT Awards 2024 recognition night!
It is known that you will appear at the NEXT Awards 2024 of BusinessWoman Magazine with a special performance. Is this the largest honor event gathering entrepreneurs that you have attended? Could you share the reason for accepting the invitation to perform at this event?
I have lived in Vietnam for 14 years and have always admired the strength, courage, and elegance of Vietnamese women. They embody an inspiring image of empowerment and resilience. Today, I am honored to attend this special occasion hosted by Business Woman Magazine, celebrating women who serve as role models for others. It is a privilege to join in recognizing and celebrating this meaningful day together.
Coming to the NEXT Awards 2024, what preparations have you made to contribute to a meaningful night of recognition?
Today, on this special occasion, I will present a violin performance to inspire courage in all the amazing women here. My violin is my strength and the reason I live. As a violinist striving every day to become an even better woman, I, Jmi Ko, am delighted to offer this performance as my gift to you.
As a violinist with 30 years of experience in composing and performing, you decided in 2019 to embark on a journey of inspiring Vietnamese women to embrace beauty. This is also one of the missions that BusinessWoman Magazine has pursued since its founding. With NEXT Awards 2024 as the magazine’s first recognition event, how do you view the significance of this event’s debut?
The first beginning always holds deep significance for everyone. I believe that within the magazine’s honor lies the hard work and dedication of those who worked tirelessly to make this day a reality. This magazine, in particular, tells the stories of businesswomen. I feel that this inaugural awards ceremony embodies a beautiful message of support for the inspiring Vietnamese women, celebrating their powerful beginnings and passion.
I wonder whether playing violin is only for the affluent, isn’t it?
Playing the violin is something anyone can listen to and learn. It just requires a significant investment of time and effort to produce beautiful music, which is why the beauty of the music we hear feels so valuable.
Let’s have some questions regarding your life living in Vietnam so that the audience could understand you more. For nearly 15 years, have you found yourself fitting in our culture? What were the very first difficulties you encountered?
Let’s have some questions regarding your life living in Vietnam so that the audience could understand you more. For nearly 15 years, have you found yourself fitting in our culture? What were the very first difficulties you encountered?
How does the interest in the violin among the Vietnamese compare to that of South Korea?
In South Korea, the violin is a popular classical instrument, and here in Vietnam, many people are also exposed to and enjoy classical music. I hope to support and heal underprivileged communities in Vietnam through music. By performing accessible pieces and offering assistance, I aim to help people in need here develop a positive connection to the violin and work to inspire a greater appreciation for it.
There were many times you collaborated with various Vietnamese artists. Which element do you think that mostly contributes to the success of an artistic project, especially when there is both linguistic and cultural dissimilarity?
Cultural and linguistic differences are not a problem. While it takes a lot of effort to fully understand their music, I make an effort to listen to and understand Vietnamese music, trying to grasp their emotions and reflect that meaning in the music with my best expression.
You once mentioned that Vietnam is a source of happiness in your music. Has Vietnamese music influenced your violin playing style?
Vietnam is a country that has gone through many wars, and the sorrow, pain, and effort from those times are embedded in all Vietnamese music. When I perform, I often imagine the beautiful landscapes of Vietnam, as well as the expressions and gestures of its people. This is because Vietnam has become a part of me. My music is reborn based on the environment and background of Vietnam, and it is deeply influenced by it.
After 14 years of living in Vietnam, how do you think Vietnamese culture has influenced you in both your work and personal life?
I feel like Vietnamese I live like Vietnamese now . 15 years living here and I eat Vietnamese st food , I have many friends here not in Korea everything here influence me good way and live positive way with my people here in Vietnam.
If you could share a message with young people who love classical music, especially the violin, what would you say?
Violin classic music I snot so difficult to listen once you get to know it but first ! I can perform with my violin, any music, whether it’s K-pop, pop songs, or anything that you love. Through my violin, I will showcase all the music you enjoy. Please show me your love and support!
Thanks for sharing!
