To say that Ji Woo Han is an exceptional cellist would be an understatement. At the ripe age of 14, Han has transformed what she describes as “something to play around with” to becoming an impassioned musician.
Originally from South Korea, Han has been playing the cello since she was 6 years old when her mother “dragged” her to her first cello lesson. She now finds playing the cello as a way to discover her emotions. “When I play the cello on stage, I can be detached from reality, putting myself in a fantasy or another universe. The music transports me to a different place and this feeling inspires me to keep playing,” she explains.
Han is a perfectionist in her technique and she devotes many hours each week to hone her craft. Currently she is trying to play the cello in a softer way to “find more emotions” in her music. When asked what her most defining moment is as an artist, instead of answering with a triumph like most would, she gives an example of a mishap during an important performance, showing her modest nature and consideration for the art: “While playing a duet alongside professional cellist Andrea Lee, I made a critical mistake and was confused. I didn’t know what to do at first, but I decided to go back to where I initially made the mistake [and replayed it]. I thought it was the courteous thing to do for the audience and to the composer as a musician in the same field.”
Han isn’t short of accomplishments as a cellist either and has won first place in the strings category in the Pyeong University Music Competition in Korea. She has also had the opportunity to perform in many global competitions, join the Global Orchestra in New York and perform with Juilliard professionals during her time at Nord Anglia.
Playing the cello has helped Han in other ways apart from gaining expertise with her instrument. “Despite being musical and able to perform in front of people, I am actually very shy. [Performing in New York] gave me much more confidence personally and as a musician. As a shy person I have developed communication and interpersonal skills with other musicians across the globe.”
It is clear that we can anticipate seeing many great things from Han in the future as she develops her skill. Her spirit and passion is inspiring and her wish “to share my love and enjoyment of music with other people” will no doubt come to fruition.
Ji Woo Han is in Year 10 at Nord Anglia International School Pudong.
