ANN/THE KOREA HERALD – Picture this unfolding like a reel of cinematic brilliance, where our protagonist, after a relentless pursuit spanning 10 attempts, ultimately claims a coveted prize.
Introducing the virtuoso himself, classical guitarist Deion Cho, the luminary of our tale, basking in triumph at the revered 56th Francisco Tarrega International Guitar Competition in the picturesque landscapes of Spain this September.
Established in 1967 to honour the legacy of Francisco Tarrega, the composer of “Memories of the Alhambra,” this competition boasts past winners such as the renowned guitar virtuoso David Russell.
In a historic turn of events, 31-year-old Cho etched his name in the annals of the competition’s history, becoming the first South Korean to claim victory.
Cho’s decade-long odyssey commenced in 2010 when he first entered the competition. Despite a two-year hiatus for mandatory military service, he consistently returned to the stage, making his mark since 2013.
“Last year, I couldn’t even make it to the finals. So, this year, I went without expectations. I had been too obsessed all those years,” said Cho speaking to The Korea Herald, at a cafe in Seoul’s Yongsan district in early November.
“It was quite surprising for me as well. I had been desperate to win all these years, but winning wasn’t my goal this year. Instead of practicing, I just relaxed by the beach, soaking in the sunlight.
“I performed with pure enjoyment without any worries. After the win, my friends and family all cried, but I didn’t shed a tear,” he said.
Even in the absence of a victory this year, Cho expressed his determination to participate again in the upcoming year. Classic guitar competitions frequently extend eligibility well into participants’ thirties. Notably, the Tarrega Competition welcomes competitors up to the age of 35.
“Last year, I saw a group of people – guitar fans and the audience – gathered in the square. They were furious for me that I didn’t make it to the finals…
“This year, when I went out to the square, some hundred Spanish people applauded. One elderly lady came up, grabbed my hand and said ‘Justice prevailed.’ It was truly heart-warming.”
Cho began playing the guitar in the sixth grade, picking up simple chords from his father.
The following year, while originally intending to buy an electric guitar album at a local record store, Cho ended up choosing the legendary classical guitarist Andres Segovia’s album “Art of Segovia” instead.
“When I was younger, I used to see the guitar as a symbol of rock and roll. Then I saw Segovia in his suit, in such an elegant setting. Without realizing it, I had bought the CD and that day changed my life. I was completely captivated and it was as if the guitar was telling me, ‘You need to stick with me until the end.’”
Cho’s mentor, Shin In-keun, advised him to go to Spain to study the guitar as it is a traditional instrument there. Shin told him to “understand Spanish culture to truly comprehend the guitar.” Following this guidance, Cho enrolled at the Madrid Royal Conservatory, a renowned music college in Madrid, and graduated with top honours.
“I have never once considered giving up on the guitar. There were some challenging times, but every moment with the instrument brought me happiness.”
According to Cho, the stage is where he can be most honest, allowing his emotions – whether it’s sadness or joy – to naturally unfold.
Having achieved his long-pursued victory at the Tarrega competition, Cho is now moving on to the next chapter of his career.
“If there’s anything I’ve learned from years of competition, it is that I’ve come to think of winning a competition as just another step in the process. But to move on to the next step, I needed that recognition from ‘tradition,’” he said.
“Actually, classical guitar is not a familiar instrument in Korea. There are many star pianists, and people recognize Chopin or Schubert. But not many people know that classic guitars derive from the Spanish tradition.”
“I would like to promote classical guitar more. And at the same time, I want to collaborate with new composers or musicians from different genres.”
Cho has received an offer of a teaching assistant position at the University of Arizona for the upcoming year, and is scheduled to perform in Europe, the US and South America starting in the second half of next year.
In December, he will continue with his annual tradition of hosting a charity concert during the Christmas season in Hongseong County, South Chungcheong Province, where his parents live.
