Friday, Jan. 30 will see a new concert from NW College’s own Prof. Juyeon Kang at 7 p.m. in Christ Chapel. Simply titled “Kang and Friends,” it will feature both the Dakota String Quartet and Northwestern’s own Janelle Phinney. The concert will bring together a group of accomplished musicians to perform music from a variety of different styles.
Prof. Juyeon Kang is a world-renowned musician who has performed and taught across the globe. Holding a variety of degrees in music, from piano to music theory, Kang has made her name as a world-class pianist. Following her debut solo recital in 1998, she has been invited to perform at venues ranging from a solo recital in New York City’s Carnegie Hall to the Embassy of Poland in Washington, D.C., where she performed for the 150th anniversary of famed composer Frédéric Chopin’s death. In terms of teaching, she has led masterclasses throughout North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.
When asked about preparing for the concert, Kang said, “I approach this recital as both a performer and a storyteller. Each work was chosen not only for its technical and musical beauty, but for how it contributes to a larger artistic arc—one that explores texture, imagination, and expressive contrast.” Kang said she is excited for the opportunity to share the concert and the selected music with the community.
The Dakota String Quartet is a subset of the South Dakota Symphony
Orchestra, composed of the string principals from the main orchestra. The ensemble features musicians from around the world, with members hailing from Korea,
Poland, Romania, and the United States. Since its inception in 1978, the quartet has focused primarily on touring the region, performing concerts, and giving workshops for other musicians. Phinney, the other pianist featured in the concert, is also a well-known piano player who works at Northwestern College as an adjunct professor and staff accompanist.
The concert has been noted as focusing on the music of Maurice Ravel and Dmitri Shostakovich, both influential 20th-century composers. Pieces scheduled to be performed include Ravel’s piano solo “Jeux d’eau,” his piano duet “Ma mère l’Oye,” and Shostakovich’s “Piano Quintet.” While the two composers represent contrasting musical styles—Ravel’s French impressionism and Shostakovich’s work under Soviet rule—Kang believes they complement one another. She said, “This concert will offer a multifaceted musical experience, with each segment featuring unique sound combinations created through varied instrumental settings and musical styles.”
The concert will take place Friday evening in Christ Chapel and is open to the campus community and the public.
