Croatian artist to visit children’s hospitals, deliver lectures for aspiring musicians


Maksim Mrvica, a Croatian classical-crossover pianist popular for his charismatic performances, said he feels a strong bond with Korea and wants to return the love he has received from his loyal fans.

The 36-year-old artist, currently in Seoul to promote his Korean tour in July, said he will meet not only his fans but also sick children at hospitals and music students at a college in Seoul. This is his 8th visit to the country since 2004.

“Sickness, especially in children, is something very sensitive to everybody and it is very difficult, and so I am very happy and obliged that I could do something to help in any way,” he told reporters at a press conference held on Monday.

The artist with a rock star look ― tattoos cover his arm ― played two short pieces ― Frano Para’s Dance of the Baroness and Edvard Grieg’s Hall of the Mountain King ― for a small audience at the press conference. Despite a string of concerts before coming to Korea and jet lag, Maksim showed off his signature “speedy and charismatic” playing style.

“I was very fresh and wasn’t aware of anything when I started ten years ago and in ten years I’m matured as a musician ... So many concerts and experiences make you matured as a musician,” he said.

“My job is never boring because every year we need to record another album or learn another piece. So there is always a new adventure. Like that every tour and every concert for me is a different challenge. That is something that pushes me more and more,” he added.

Maksim, who released his most recent album “Appassionata” last year, plans to hold concerts in major cities in Korea including at the Seoul Arts Center, his agency said.

The artist started to play piano at the age of 9 and rose to fame after winning first prize in the 2001 Pontoise Piano Competition. Since the release of his first album “The Piano Player” in 2003, he has reinterpreted classical music standards, including those of Handel and Chopin.

With his virtuosic technique and audience-friendly stage manner garnering world-wide appeal, Maksim has been invited to international events including the 2008 Olympic Games in China.

His representative performances include “The Flight of the Bumble-bee” which was used in TV ads for Hyundai Mobis.

By Cho Chung-un (christory@heraldcorp.com)