A concert interview with soloist
hans-derek yu

"The ending of the Prokofiev concerto is one of the most iconic in the repertoire. Featuring flurries of double-notes, large leaps, and thunderous octaves, the climax is undoubtedly one of the most exciting segments of music ever written."

Hans Derek-Yu, 20, won first prize at the 62nd JSO*YAC and became our 2023 Young Artist. As a student of Arnaldo Cohen at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University, Yu has also won awards from the Osaka International Music Competition and the Chopin International Piano Competition. As a result of winning concerto competitions, Hans has performed with the Bravura Philharmonic and the Old York Road Symphony orchestras, the Ocean City Pops, and the Northern Lights Music Festival Orchestra.

Hans-Derek Yu performs an all-Chopin solo recital on Friday, March 31 —12 of his favorite Etudes — AND joins Jefferson Symphony on Sunday, April 2 as our distinguished guest soloist in a performance of Sergei Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3 in C Major.

JSO: In 3 words, describe the concerto you're performing with JSO.

Hans-Derek Yu: "Scintillating, exciting, and intense."

Why is Prokofiev's concerto unlike any other?

Yu: "What separates this concerto from many others is the intricate interaction between soloist and orchestra. At times, the piano part melts into the diaphanous texture of the orchestra, creating a hazy, hardly-defined soundscape; at others, the two parts are in a vicious conflict, retorting each others' ideas in sarcastic ways. Every section of the orchestra is featured prominently, making performing this piece exhilarating for everyone involved."

Listen to Hans-Derek Yu perform Chopin!

"Through sound alone, music is able to connect people, tell stories, and elicit our emotions in a singularly intimate way."
Hans-Derek Yu

Etude Op. 10, No. 1 "Waterfall"

Etude Op. 10, No. 4 "Torrent"

Etude Op. 25, No. 12 "Ocean"

What are 2 moments audiences should anticipate when listening live to the concerto performance?

Hans-Derek Yu: "After a surreal, dream-like section in the first movement, the piano quietly reenters with an extremely fast and unrelenting scalar figure that quickly spins out of control. The orchestra eventually joins the fray, ratcheting up the intensity until the main theme returns in glorious fashion.

"The ending of the Prokofiev concerto is one of the most iconic in the repertoire. It is the culmination of an argument between piano and orchestra that has been building for the entire movement, and there is no respite as both parts become increasingly agitated. Featuring flurries of double-notes, large leaps, and thunderous octaves, the climax is undoubtedly one of the most exciting segments of music ever written."

What is 1 reason why “life is better with music?”

Yu: "Music is one of the most visceral forms of artistic expression. Through sound alone, music is able to connect people, tell stories, and elicit our emotions in a singularly intimate way."

Is there anything else you'd like to share with our symphony audiences?
Yu: "I can't wait to work with everyone!"

Young Artist Recital: Hans-Derek Yu, piano
Chopin Etudes, selections from Op. 10 & 25

Etudes Op 10: Nos. 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12
Etudes Op. 25: Nos. 1, 2, 3, 7, 11, 12

Friday, March 31 at 7:00 p.m.
Wheat Ridge UMC

General Admission at the door. Free for JSO Season Members and Jeffco students!

Young Artist Concert: O'Neil conducts Dvořák
Hans-Derek Yu, piano | Scott O'Neil, conductor

Dvořák: Symphony No. 8
Prokofiev: Piano Concerto No. 3
Shostakovich: Festive Overture

Sunday, April 2 at 3:00 p.m.
Green Center in Golden

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