Soho Classical gets to know the violinist Moonkyung Lee! Enjoy a live performance below too.

When did you start playing the violin and why?

I was 5 when I first saw a violin. It looked so beautiful, and I could not take my eyes off it. My mother asked me if I wanted to play it, and I said yes – that’s how I became a violinist!

What is your favourite piece of music for the violin?

This is a very difficult question as it keeps changing over time, but my favorite piece of music for the violin right now woule be Brahms violin sonata no. 2, for its incredible warmth and expression.

Describe your music/ style of performance in 3 words.

I think my performance is sincere, expressive, and considerate.

Tell us your first memory of London.

It was about 10 years ago, when I visited my friend who was going to Saint Martin’s. I was living in New York by then (one of the most expensive cities to live in), but even compared to New York, everything felt extremely expensive in London.

What is one piece of classical music you couldn’t live without?

Another difficult question! I think anything written by Mozart; seriously, I can’t imagine the world without Mozart, as it would be so much drier.