The Road We Walk On

142 | Semi-Finals

With that, the two of them had about a week to practice and prepare for the semi-finals. In particular for Seokhoon, he needed to perform twice, one on the 12th and the other on the 13th. The 12th he would be performing a concerto with an orchestra, while the 13th would be the recital where he showcases his new work. For Rona, the semi-finals was more or less the same as the first round. It would be a recital but with a specific theme - she had to choose an Italian opera aria. They both were given 20 minutes for their pieces.

*In music, an aria is a self-contained piece for one voice, with or without instrumental or orchestral accompaniment, normally part of a larger work.

12th December, Flagey, Brussels

As per usual, the order of the candidates was decided randomly on the day itself. 24 candidates and Seokhoon was the 17th to perform. Today's round would require each candidate to perform with a chamber orchestra. Seokhoon had never really practiced with an orchestra before. When one does a recital, there is no need to really match your timing with anything. But with an orchestra, you have to follow the timing and the lead of the conductor.

*A chamber orchestra is usually a smaller ensemble; a major chamber orchestra might employ as many as fifty musicians, but some are much smaller.

Seokhoon would be performing in the 2nd half of today's round. Rona and Prof Maria were sitting in the audience. Prof James was backstage with Seokhoon to make sure everything went okay. They went through some last minute pointers before Seokhoon went up on stage. Seokhoon wore a suit with a bow tie and entered the stage. He bowed to the audience before taking his place.

*visual idea of how it looks like

As Seokhoon took his place on the piano, Rona was watching with her hands clasped. She knew that Seokhoon did not have much experience with performing with an orchestra so she was worried. With the signal of the conductor the orchestra began to play. Seokhoon eventually came in and Rona breathed a sigh of relief. His timing was perfect and he stands out and yet fits the flow of the orchestra.

The crowd applauded when Seokhoon was finished. Based on the audience response, they seem to like Seokhoon's playing. Rona quickly utters a small prayer that he would be able to make it into the finals.

13th December, Flagey, Brussels

Today was the 2nd round of the piano category. Today they would be doing a recital and the piece that they had to play would be a new work that the candidates created. The order of this round will follow the previous days, so Seokhoon is the 17th candidate to perform out of the 24.

Seokhoon was thankful that yesterday went well. He felt that he was able to still show his identity as a pianist and yet blend with the orchestra. It was really euphoric to be able to play on such an internationally recognised stage and with an award winning orchestra. Now he had to focus his attention on the recital.

He wore a simple suit and entered the stage. Rona, Prof James and Maria were in the audience anxiously waiting for the appearance of Seokhoon. If Seokhoon does well, there is a high chance that he could move onto the finals, a lot was at stake.

*visual guide

With 20 minutes gone, he had finished playing. Rona's heart was less stressed now that Seokhoon had finished. Now all they had to do was wait for the finalist list to be announced that very day. With the last of the candidates finished, it was time to announce out of the 24 who would be the top 12.

The top 12, will be able to study at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel and use the space for their work for the finals. One of the judges stepped onto the stage and began to announce the top 12. Rona's hands were clasped tightly, praying for Seokhoon. When her ears heard Seokhoon's name, Rona jumped up for joy. Prof Maria and James were also shocked, they knew Seokhoon was good but the other candidates were equally as good as well. All three of them hugged and clapped. Seokhoon was through to the finals!

14th December, Flagey, Brussels

Today was Rona's semi-final turn. She would be performing a recital and one piano player will be her accompaniment. Rona was dressed in a beautiful simple long sleeve black dress, with her hair curled down. The order was decided at random and Rona was the 20th out of the 24 to perform.

Seokhoon was supposed to head over to the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel starting from today but he informed the competition staff that he will only go after today's competition. He wanted to see Rona perform first, after she performed he would head over with Prof James. Seokhoon was worried about leaving Rona alone but he knew she would be well taken care of by Prof Maria and focus on preparing for the finals (if she manage to get in)

With that it was finally Rona's turn. Rona walked up on stage, she bowed in thanks to her accompaniment and a quiet second passed before the pianist began to play. As Seokhoon watched her, he imagined playing for her instead. This was definitely a dream that he hoped he would be able to achieve in time.

*visual aid

20 minutes passed and Rona had finished. Seokhoon was relieved everything went well. Seokhoon had to leave right away so he asked Prof Maria to text them the results. Maria replied that she will and all the best to Seokhoon. Another 2 hours later, the final candidate had finished performing.

It was time to announce who the finals were. Maria quickly said a silent prayer and looked; waiting to hear Rona's name announced. 5 names in and finally Rona's name was announced. Maria finally let out the breath that she had held. They both did it, Seokhoon and Rona were through to the finals. Maria as promised quickly texted James to let him know of the results. Now the two had the finals to focus on, with their hard work and a bit of luck, they hope that Seokhoon and Rona would place into the top 6.