'From Banker to Vocalist' German Baritone Benyamin Afl's First Visit to Korea

Schubert's 'Winterreise' Performed at Lotte Concert Hall
The Last Disciple of Legendary Baritone Fischer-Dieskau

Benjamin Appl, a German baritone, has a unique background of studying business administration and working as a banker before becoming a vocalist. Although he actively participated as a choir member from a young age, he never dared to dream of becoming a singer and traveling the world. He studied business administration with the dream of becoming a banker, and that dream came true. However, he suddenly realized something.

"At some point, I realized that I never had the time to bring out the deep emotions inside me. I decided to pursue music, and I have never regretted that decision for a single moment."

At a press conference held on the 3rd at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Appl explained the decisive moment that changed his life. He will perform Schubert's masterpiece song cycle "Winterreise" at his first solo concert in Korea on the 5th at Lotte Concert Hall.

Baritone Benjamin Appl [Photo by Hanse Yes24 Cultural Foundation]

Appl expressed his first impression of Korea, saying, "Korea is a cultural powerhouse" and "I have always thought of it as a very fascinating country."

"Winterreise" is Schubert's representative work, composed one year before his death. Known as the "King of Lieder," Schubert composed over 600 songs during his short 31-year life. He set Wilhelm M?ller’s poems to music, completing a song cycle of 24 songs. It tells the story of a man wandering in sorrow and despair after being heartbroken.

Appl said, "Winterreise was created 200 years ago, but I think it is a timeless work that still resonates deeply with us today. The protagonist is a very courageous person who descends deep into his soul and embarks on an inner journey."

He also emphasized, "The German Lied is the most beautiful art form in Germany, where poetry and music are perfectly combined, and it is Germany’s greatest cultural export."

Although Appl changed his life path late, he was fortunate to study under the legendary German baritone Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau. Appl was Fischer-Dieskau’s last student. He said, "I was with Fischer-Dieskau until three weeks before his death."

Baek Sumi, Chairperson of Hansae Yes24 Cultural Foundation, and baritone Benjamin Appl [Photo by Hansae Yes24 Cultural Foundation]

Appl first met Fischer-Dieskau when he was twenty-eight at a masterclass held in Austria. During the masterclass, Fischer-Dieskau offered to work together, and Appl stayed at Fischer-Dieskau’s home in Berlin to continue working with him.

"Meeting Fischer-Dieskau was the greatest luck and the best gift of my life. I worked with him for four years, covering almost all the repertoire, and learned almost everything related to music?not only vocal techniques but also how to interpret music and overcome stage fright."

Benjamin Appl’s solo concert is the first music project of the Hanse Yes24 Cultural Foundation. The foundation has consistently supported publishing and fine arts, and this year, marking its 10th anniversary, it expanded its activities to include music. Director Baek Su-mi of the foundation is also a vocal music major.

Director Baek said, "I started the music project because I believe that through musical performances, we can provide the public with more diverse and rich cultural and artistic experiences, and ultimately contribute more to society. Although this is the foundation’s first concert this year and we are cautious, we want to continue developing more advanced events."

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