Korean Cellist Emerged Champion at

Julian Gargiulos Carnegie Hall

Competition

by David Drake

Steinway Artist Julian Gargiulo experimented two years ago when he invited musicians from top
international conservatories, including student violinists, to compete for a place on stage with him at
the Carnegie Recital Hall.

Julian Gargiulo | Photo credit: 2NYC

After last years sold-out event, organized by Julian and 2NYC, the composer called out to all student
cellists to join this years competition. Four contestants have been pre-selected from the many that
joined the competition:
1. Anita Blazs, age 24, Hungary, The Franz Liszt Academy
2. Anna Litvinenko, age 22, Russia and Cuba, The Juilliard School
3. Jacques-Pierre Malan, age 28, South Africa, The Peabody Institute
4. Chae won Hong, age 25, South Korea, Michigan State University

From left to right: Anna Litvinenko, Chae won Hong, Julian Gargiulo, Jacques-Pierre Malan and Anita
Blazs | Photo credit: Michael Hull of VictoriaGlobal.co

Carnegie Hall Competition

These four cellists joined Julian at the Zankel Hall last Sunday, 17 January 2016 for
#GettingtoCarnegie, The Hunger Games Of Classical Music. Each cellist performed a movement of his
Cello Sonata premiere.

Anita Balazs | Photo credit: Mirko Cvjetko

Anita Blazs, age 24, Hungary, The Franz Liszt Academy

Question: What makes you different?
Answer: Music has been the sole focus of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in
Hungary, I had to face certain challenges that came with being a musician and the lack of
opportunities to perform. So when I was 19, I decided to continue my studies, first in Paris, and then
in the United States.
Q: If you couldnt be a cellist, what would you do?
A: I would follow my love for animals and become a veterinarian.

Q: If you could have dinner with one person from the past, who would it be?
A: Zoltn Kodly. I will ask him for the number of his physical therapist because I need one when I
finish practicing the 3rd movement of his Solo Sonata.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A: On stage playing for people, and making them happy. I hope one day to become the great
musician I dreamed to be,when I was five. And also, teaching young cellists and helping them launch
their own careers.
Q: If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
A: I would make everyone think positive! So many people dont know the benefits of positive thinking.
It has the power to create happiness and success, to help us overcome any difficulty and obstacle in
our lives! In my opinion, negative thoughts create most of the problems in the world.
Q: Why should you win?
A: This is my first competition in the US, and I do not know why I should win. I am just thankful for
making it this far, and for the opportunity and honor to play in Carnegie Hall.

Anita Balazs and Julian Gargiulo | Photo credit: William Fang of VictorialGlobal.co

Anna Litvinenko | Photo credit: annalitvinenko.com

Anna Litvinenko, age 22, Russia and Cuba, The Juilliard School
Question: What makes you different?
Answer: No comment.
Q: If you couldnt be a cellist, what would you do?
A: I would definitely be a stage actor. I am fascinated by them theyre super well-read, they deal
with all sorts of states of minds and emotions, they are trained to dance and sing, they know about
music and so so many other things Super well-rounded and inspirational people!
Q: If you could have dinner with one person from the past, who would it be?
A: Leonard Bernstein he has always been such an inspirational figure for me.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

A: In a vibrant city, possibly playing an orchestra and have a group with which I can explore a variety
of musical genres and do serious, but fun innovative projects.
Q: If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
A: Violence. I dont understand how we have come so far in so many ways, and yet still have so much
hatred and disgrace in the world.
Q: Why should you win?
A: No comment.

Julian Gargiulo and Anna Litvinenko | Photo credit: VictoriaGlobal.co

Jacques-Pierre Malan | Photo credit: i.ytmig.com

Jacques-Pierre Malan, age 28, South Africa, The Peabody Institute

Question: What makes you different?
Answer: My Afrikaans/English accent. Im also probably the first South African cellist to perform in
Carnegie Hall!
Q: If you couldnt be a cellist, what would you do?
A: Farming or driving people on safaris.
Q: If you could have dinner with one person from the past, who would it be?
A: Tarzan from the Disney movie, (if he existed). Otherwise Carl Jung.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A: In a major orchestra, teaching, and playing chamber music with a good salary on the side. If not
this, then I guess I will still be in a practice room.
Q: If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
A: Politics.
Q: Why should you win?
A: Because I am playing in Carnegie Hall!

Jacques-Pierre Malan and Julian Gargiulo | Photo credit: VictoriaGlobal.co

Chae won Hong | Photo credit: Ja-eun-Koo

Chae won Hong, age 25, South Korea, Michigan State University
Question: What makes you different?
Answer: My imagination. It is what makes art come alive for me, in me. Bringing vivid and unique
colors, refreshing ideas, and stories behind the music.
Q: If you couldnt be a cellist, what would you do?
A: Illustration or painting. I am quite good, but have decided to keep this as a professional hobby.
Q: If you could have dinner with one person from the past, who would it be?
A: Nietzsche. He inspires and influences me a lot. But If he didnt want to meet me (possibly he
wouldnt), I would say me from the past instead.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A: Either in Europe or Michigan, where I currently reside. Somewhere that can inspire me, keep me
progressing, and at the same time, let me be worthy of my heritage and art.
Q: If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
A: Indiscriminate genocide, butchery. It has happened and been happening but I say stop it.
Q: Why should you win?
A: This is not only my first competition in U.S but also the first time I premiere a contemporary piece
of music. As a cellist living in the 21st century, I strongly believe in the importance of making
contemporary music sound as convincing as possible to audiences.

Chae won Hong and Julian Gargiulo | Photo credit: Julian Gargiulo

The four finalists were pre-selected based on the video recording of their performance. They joined
Gargiulo on stage to perform a movement of the composers Sonata for Violin and Piano.

Mike Costache of Karma, Jingjing Dong of PwC Asset Management NYC, and David Drake | Photo
credit: VictoriaGlobal.co

After the successful competition last year, PBS is co-producing a documentary film called 10,000
Hours of Getting to Carnegie 2016. It will chronicle the activities of the competition finalists. The film
will look at the 10,000 hours they put into a competition like this, and what pushes people to search
for their personal Carnegie. See the film trailerhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNdquCK87e8
Chae won Hong won the Sundays competition. She was chosen by the concert attendees after all four
cellists have performed.
The four movements played were chosen by lottery. Should it be done differently next year?

David Drake is the Chairman of LDJ Capital, a multi-family office; Victoria Partners, a
300 family office network; LDJ Real Estate Group and Drake Hospitality Group;
and The Soho Loft Media Group with divisions Victoria Global Communications,Times
Impact Publications, and The Soho Loft Conferences. Reach him directly
at David@LDJCapital.com.