Bold Music
Meet KyungSeok “Kasey” Yu, principal tuba in the Incheon Philharmonic Orchestra and part of the quintet Brass Arts Seoul
Photo by Studio LaLa
Bold Music
Meet KyungSeok “Kasey” Yu, principal tuba in the Incheon Philharmonic Orchestra and a member of the quintet Brass Arts Seoul
Even though the very first instrument in the hands of KyungSeok “Kasey” Yu (’17,’20) was a violin, once he heard the bold sounds of the brass instruments, he fell for playing the tuba.
Yu grew up in Chuncheon, South Korea, but considers the US, where he studied brass performance at CFA, his musical home. He now lives in Seoul, which he calls his “emotional home,” with his wife, Younggyo Lee (’19), a pianist, and their twins. He is the principal tuba in the Incheon Philharmonic Orchestra and part of the quintet Brass Arts Seoul, and he’s performed at Seoul Art Center, Jordan Hall, Boston Symphony Hall, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, and Musikverein in Vienna.
What draws you to the tuba?
There are other low-pitched instruments in the orchestra, but the tuba is the only instrument with such a loud volume. It is easy to interfere with the ensemble performance if the tuba player lacks fundamental technique and musicianship. It’s a burdensome place to be alone as a principal player, with the entire ensemble depending on my performance, but I cannot forget the moments of harmony when I play flawlessly after thorough preparation.
Favorite piece of music?
Like a balanced diet, I avoid being picky in listening to music. As much as I can, I appreciate the works of multiple composers, genres, and music from various eras.
What’s inspiring you right now?
Last year, I started as a lecturer and adjunct professor at three universities in Seoul. Life as an educator inspires me greatly. [I enjoy] guiding students of various ages, with different backgrounds in music, suggesting sound directions, challenging them, and helping them find individual meaning and value as musicians.
How many hours per week do you practice?
At least 10 hours per week. I do basic and advanced rehearsal sessions for various Incheon Philharmonic Orchestra performances. And, for the past two years, I have been playing almost every weekend in large cities across the country as a guest principal tuba.
Most memorable performance?
December 13, 2019. I rushed to prepare for a Boston Pops performance after a phone call from my mentor and teacher, Mike Roylance [a CFA lecturer in tuba and euphonium and principal tuba of the Boston Symphony Orchestra]. I listened to music and practiced and practiced [in the] less than 48 hours [before the performance]. My wife, who watched my successful Boston Pops debut performance from a balcony seat, often brings up memories of the day and we still shed tears of emotion.
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