Pianist Yunchan Lim Directly Addresses Controversy Over Added Collaboration, Saying He "Decided with a Joyful Heart"

Pianist Yunchan Lim has spoken out directly regarding the controversy surrounding the decision for him to perform Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 3 for five consecutive days during the Philadelphia Orchestra's upcoming tour in South Korea next month, with critics accusing the agency of demanding an excessive schedule.

In a statement posted on social media, Lim said, "I would like to apologize to those who felt concerned and disappointed by the addition of this collaboration," while emphasizing, "This appearance was decided with a joyful heart by myself, the conductor, and the orchestra."

He also stated, "Just as Cézanne painted Mont Sainte-Victoire from different angles and in different lights, I will do the same." He added, "Since this decision was made taking my condition and what I can handle into consideration, I will also make sure to take sufficient rest and care."

He went on to say that the piece is one of the ones he has loved most in his life, noting, "I do not want to perform this piece amidst confusion and worry, so I wanted to share my true feelings honestly."
Lim's collaboration has drawn widespread attention as a stage where he will once again perform the piece he played at the 2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition finals alongside Marin Alsop, the conductor from that time. The performances were originally scheduled to take place four times on November 5, 6, 8, and 9.

However, two weeks ahead of the concerts, the concert agency announced that the performance on November 7—which was originally planned as an orchestra-only concert without a collaborative soloist—would change its program for Lim to perform as the soloist.

While the agency explained that the decision was made in accordance with the wishes of Lim and Alsop to respond to the enthusiastic support of the audience, some fans raised claims that the agency had forced Lim into the demanding schedule of performing the major concerto for five straight days due to sluggish ticket sales for the November 7 concert.

(Photo: Instagram capture)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.