Hello everyone - and welcome back to the Piano Fortissimo Podcast episode 16. It feels like it’s been a long break... and, well, it has. But the truth is: I’ve been busy. Very busy. Performing, teaching, travelling, So thank you for your patience and for tuning in again. I’ve missed these conversations and I’m truly excited about what’s coming next. And I promise: it’s worth the wait. Today on the Piano Fortissimo Podcast, I’m joined by a truly unique voice in the world of classical music: Hyung-ki Joo - British pianist, composer, and educator of Korean heritage, renowned for his expressive playing, magnetic stage presence, and unconventional approach to music-making. A graduate of the Yehudi Menuhin School and the Manhattan School of Music - where he was later awarded an honorary doctorate - Hyung-ki has performed with major orchestras such as the London Philharmonic, the Santa Cecilia Orchestra, and the Seoul Philharmonic. As a chamber musician, he’s collaborated with legendary names including Julia Fischer, Janine Jansen, Gidon Kremer, and Viktoria Mullova, and he has a special love for vocal repertoire, working with artists like Dame Felicity Lott, Pretty Yende, and Asmik Grigorian. Beyond the stage, Hyung-ki is Artistic Director of the Menuhin Competition and Piano City Vienna. He’s also a passionate teacher, mentoring young musicians at top institutions around the world. His compositions have been commissioned by the New York Philharmonic and the Vienna Symphony, among others. And of course, for over two decades, he’s brought joy to global audiences as one half of Igudesman & Joo, blending classical music, comedy, and pop culture - a duo that will take their final bow in 2025. From recording Billy Joel’s classical album to curating the Vienna Festwochen opening, Hyung-ki’s artistic reach seems limitless. I’m thrilled to welcome him today to explore the many sides of creativity, risk, and reinvention in classical music.