"10 Years of Concerts with People with Developmental Disabilities, from Doubt to Pride"

Kim Daejin, President of Korea National University of Arts
Appointed ISMAF Classical Music Director
Participates in Disabled Artists Mentoring Team
"Wish You Unwavering Passion" Encouragement

"Every year before the festival, I wondered if it would be possible. But after doing it, I have always felt truly proud. And now, 10 years have already passed. (laughs)"

Kim Dae-jin, president of the Korea National University of Arts, serving as the classical music director of the 2023 International Special Music & Art Festival (ISMAF).
[Photo by ISMAF]

Kim Daejin, President of Korea National University of Arts and the classical music director of the 2023 International Special Music & Art Festival (ISMAF), shared his special feelings ahead of the festival.

Marking its 10th anniversary this year, ISMAF will take place over four days and three nights from August 2 to 5. President Kim has consistently participated in ISMAF as a member of the mentoring team working with artists with developmental disabilities, as well as serving as the music director. For him, meeting and mentoring artists with developmental disabilities has naturally become an annual event.

President Kim emphasized that patience is essential in educating individuals with developmental disabilities. "Expecting immediate visible results is a one-sided adult perspective. It’s the same for non-disabled people, but we need to calmly observe how students change over time." He added that parents and teachers play a crucial role in ensuring that students do not lose their passion.

He continued, "The efforts of parents and teachers raising and teaching individuals with developmental disabilities are unimaginably great. Even if the students cannot express it outwardly, they surely have feelings of gratitude." He explained, "Therefore, this year’s performance is prepared with the theme of gratitude, expressing the students’ hearts."

A special stage has been planned for this festival. Twelve artists with developmental disabilities, along with four mentors who have worked with them, will present a ‘Piano Ensemble’ program featuring eight pianos performing yeontan (a style where two or more performers play on one piano).

Regarding this, President Kim said, "We have newly attempted the ensemble program this time to develop the collaborative skills of artists with developmental disabilities." He added, "Through collaboration with non-disabled individuals, it is expected to contribute to their social advancement." He also expressed, "I am very excited and somewhat worried, but even if the results are not perfect, it will surely be a valuable experience for the mentees."

Kim Dae-jin, president of the Korea National University of Arts, serving as the classical music director of the 2023 International Special Music & Art Festival (ISMAF).
[Photo by ISMAF]

As a senior musician, the key word President Kim emphasized to the artists with developmental disabilities was none other than passion. "The strength to endure long in one’s field ultimately comes from passion," he stressed, adding, "But since there is no passion that never fades in this world, one must make strenuous efforts. Thinking about whether it is truly what you want to do is something that applies equally to both disabled and non-disabled people."

President Kim also recalled one mentee who had participated in past festivals. This mentee had not only developmental disabilities but also visual impairment, making mentoring challenging. However, he flawlessly performed Bach’s fuga, a piece difficult even for non-disabled individuals. President Kim reflected, "I believe this was possible thanks to the devoted efforts of the teacher participating in the mentoring team," calling it "an unforgettable experience for life."

He credited the mentoring team and staff who have quietly prepared the festival, including the moving achievements. He said, "I hope the audience will be impressed by the performances of the students who are practicing hard to participate in the concert," and added, "I also hope people recognize the dedication and effort behind the scenes, ‘Behind The Curtain,’ that made it possible for them to take the stage."

The ‘Opening Concert’ featuring President Kim, the mentoring team, and artists with developmental disabilities will be held on August 2 at the Concert Hall of the Seoul National University Arts Center.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.