KLASSIKOM=Innovations in classical music

Paloma So’s Harvard Journey

7 min · 10 de may de 2026
Portada del episodio Paloma So’s Harvard Journey

Descripción

Following her recent concert tour to Guangzhou and Beijing, violinist Paloma So is returning to the United States to continue her studies at Harvard University. While the transition from the concert hall to the classroom might seem like a leap, So views her Ivy League education as vital nutrition for her growth as a musician. Though she is an economics major, So’s academic interests are vast and varied. She actively takes classes in government department and romance languages, specifically French, and everything from Roman history to cosmology. For So, this interdisciplinary path is essential because she believes that to be a great musician, one must first be a well-informed, well-read, and well-rounded human being. This liberal arts education provides her with a broader perspective, allowing her to see music as a small but profound representation of humanity and art within a ginormous world. So describes Harvard as an incredible and unique community that provides inspiration beyond the classroom. She highlights the privilege of being exposed to top-tier professors and even the occasional lunch with a Nobel Prize winner. Her peer group is equally diverse, consisting of talented actors, writers, and athletes who may one day lead the world. Her typical day mirrors that of many students - attending classes, catching up on work, and reading on the lawn. However, her schedule has a musical edge. Every Tuesday, she travels to the New England Conservatory for her violin lessons. She prefers to practice in the evenings or at night, as that is when she feels her brain is most active and she has the most to say musically. While some might see a double interest in economics and music as a fork in the road, So’s career goals have been fixed since childhood. She has always known she wanted to be a professional soloist, noting that the violin brings her immense joy and fulfillment. Rather than distracting from her musical path, she sees Harvard as a supplement that helps shape her into the artist she hopes to become. Interviewed on May 2nd, 2026 at the Xinghai Concert Hall in Guangzhou. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit klassikom.substack.com [https://klassikom.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

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episode Liao Changyong Dazzles with Mahler in Hamburg artwork

Liao Changyong Dazzles with Mahler in Hamburg

In a memorable evening at Hamburg, renowned baritone Prof Liao Changyong delivered a spellbinding performance of Mahler's Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen alongside Chinese classics, presented in a specially arranged chamber music setting. The concert, a testament to the long-standing artistic partnership between the music schools in Hamburg and Shanghai as well as the 40th anniversary of the twin-city, left audiences and musicians alike deeply moved at Laeiszhalle on June 19th. The SCM Chamber Music Orchestra is conducted by Clemens Malich. Prof Elmar Lampson, Professor in Composition Department of HfMT (Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hamburg) also the ex-president of HfMT attended the concert. Speaking of Liao, he was full of praise: “You understand every German word — his pronunciation and his style is amazing.” He was equally struck by the evening’s programme, which wove Chinese music alongside Mahler and Ravel: “Isn’t it amazing how this Chinese music fits so well with Mahler, with Ravel and with the Romantic music — we are one musical family between China and Europe.” Reflecting on the collaboration between the two institutions, Lampson concluded: “This concert is something very special and something really great.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit klassikom.substack.com [https://klassikom.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

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