Do you know the instrument called the viola? Although The viola hasn't a sharp and high-pitched sound like the violin and a grand sound like the cello, it has a warm and gentle sound. So, many musicians usually call the sound of the viola mother's song. In the past, the violas relatively unknown among string instruments. Over time, however, many composers started using a viola in a lot of songs. And now, the viola is recognized as an important part of classical music. Through the efforts of violists, the viola has begins to receive attention from the Korean public. This time, I 'll introduce you to one of the many violists.

Richard Yongjae O’Neill

- The violist who receives an Avery Fisher Career Grant and two Grammy Award Nominations (Best Soloist with Orchestra and Best Chamber Music)

- Sold out of Korea debut recital tickets

- Performed with many famous orchestras

(the London Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the KBS and Korean Symphony Orchestras, the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, and Sejong Soloists etc.)

- The music director of the Ditto Festival and the reader of the chamber music group 'Ensemble Ditto'

Richard Yongjae O’Neill was born in the USA in 1978. His mother bore Yongjae O’Neill as a single mother, but she couldn't take care of him. Because she had a disability. So, most of the time his grandparents took care of him. His mother was adopted as a war orphan when she was 4. So, Yongjae O’Neill appeared in KBS documentary (인간극장) with his mother about looking for her real family. This story was so impressed that Yongjae O’Neill and his mother were became well-known to the Korean public. Besides, he is also appearing in many other TV programs and participating campaigns until now. So he is receiving much love from Korean fans. The Ditto Festival and Ensemble Ditto, that is his chamber music projects, are very popular in young Korean classical music fans. And it is they are rated as a popular classical brands of Korea. Especially he especially interested in helping young children, Because he could able to start music by a many people's favor when he was little. His family didn't have any money for the lessons and an instrument. But, thanks to many people that teachers and church , he borrowed an instrument and some money for lessons.

In a TV show interview Yongjae O’Neill said, "I don't want to just be keep the staying a love that I received. I want to give someone a love as my family loved me and was made me happy." I think the music that Yongjae O’Neill plays is not means for as his accomplishment of music or for his honor. His music is like a bridge conveying the love that many people gave to him. When I have seen saw his performance in last summer, one of the most impressive memories is that he was very kind and thanked his fans for coming, even through he was tired. At that time, that I could feel that why his music is so warm and makes me comfortable.

L.L.F reporter Eun-Hye Han