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Pianist Paik Kun-woo to perform to celebrate Pope`s visit to Korea

Pianist Paik Kun-woo to perform to celebrate Pope`s visit to Korea

Posted July. 30, 2014 07:21,   

한국어

Pianist Paik Kun-woo will play the “St. Francis of Assisi Preaching to the Birds” for piano as a tribute to the current pope Francis on August 16.

The committee preparing for the Pontiff’s visit to Korea said on July 29 that Paik will play that piece at the Mass and the beatification ceremony for Yoon Ji-chung Paul and 123 other sainthood candidates, which the Pope will preside over.

This piece is an eight-minute piano music composed by Liszt, which Paik hand-picked. The pianist, who is currently at his home in Paris, France, told The Dong-A Ilbo on the telephone that this piece was composed by Liszt after being moved by the life of Saint Francis of Assisi and imparts the greatness of faith. He said he wanted to extend his gratitude to the Pope for deciding to visit Korea through this performance. According to the committee, Paik and his wife actress Yoon Jeong-hee are devout Catholics and did not accept payment for the performance and also said they would pay their own expenses necessary for the performance.

The preparation committee will hold the “Koinonia– We all become Gifts,” celebratory concert at the Myeongdong Cathedral at 8 p.m. in Seoul on Wednesday. The concert, which launches with opening comments by actor Ahn Sung-ki, will feature poet Kim Yong-taek in addition to singers Bada and Bobbie Kim. Also appearing are ballerina Kim Joo-won and radio personalities Lee Dong-woo and Choi Yu-ra. The performance is free and open to all regardless of religious affiliation.