by Amy Upah
Daily Lobo
The cello has been said to be the instrument closest to the human voice.
Acclaimed cellist Kangho Lee came together with UNM students and professors Sunday in an all-cello performance that included pieces composed by, Bach and Duke Ellington.
Lee is a cello professor at Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, Ill. Born in Korea, Lee began his cello career at 12 when he played with the Seoul Philharmonic in Korea. Lee has performed in many orchestras throughout Asia, Europe and the United States.
Cello student Randall Holt said Lee is "one of the top one-thousandth performers in the world."
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Lee's visit to UNM included a performance at the cello festival, a duet with his wife Vera Parkin and a critique of cello students.
"It's so beautiful to see that a couple can share the joy of music together the way Kangho Lee and Vera Parkin do," Holt said.
Holt's notes on Lee's critique session include phrases such as, "Play softly like a cat," and, "Angle bow."
Reza Fakhrai, a performer in Sunday's concert, said he noticed the richness in Lee's sound compared to other professional players.
"Lee has a rich and clean sound with amazing technique," cellist Mark Bartlett said.
The technical aspects of Lee's performance, such as the control of his vibrato, impressed some of UNM's cello students.
Fakhrai said Lee's vibrato was wide where it needed to be and narrow when the tone needed to be emphasized. He also said his exquisite bow technique shaped his remarkable craftsmanship as a cellist.
An estimated 30 cellists, from elementary students to adults, performed with Lee on Thursday.
Bartlett said Lee's visit to UNM was filled with musical activities and provided an intense learning experience for professors and students that used music as a medium to spread wisdom.
"It's great to have a musical prodigy share their love for their instruments with others," Bartlett said. "Professional artists sharing their passion with a community will diversify and make us all better musicians."
