[INTERVIEW]Cellist hits high note at festival

Aldo Parisot

Celebrated cellist Aldo Parisot has taught a master class at the Great Mountains Music Festival and School since 2004, its inaugural year. The distinguished Yale University professor reflects on his experiences at the festival.

Q.What did you think of your students this year?

A. Each year has been notable for an increase in the quality of students, faculty and organization. This year’s festival was the most impressive in every aspect. [Korean students] are remarkably good at understanding and absorbing Western music and performance styles.

What’s best about teaching up-and-coming musicians? Do you enjoy it more than performing?

I enjoy teaching gifted young musicians because they are more able to understand and assimilate new ideas at an early age. Therefore, I feel I have a greater opportunity to help them develop their vast musical and technical potential. However, I also enjoy performing immensely.

Great Mountains wants to rival other festivals like the Aspen Music Festival and School. How can organizers achieve that goal?

I don’t believe Great Mountains should imitate other festivals. We must remember that festivals such as Aspen and Tanglewood did not achieve their success overnight. I believe that the Korean government should give Great Mountains a great deal of support because with financial stability, it will become equally successful as other festivals worldwide in its own unique way.

Aldo Parisot