The Road We Walk On

195 | He did it

Carnegie Hall, New York

Today was Seokhoon's turn for the competition. Unlike Rona's where she only performed with an accompanist, he would be performing with a full orchestra. Compared to the Voice category the piano competition was a lot more intense and had a larger pool of contestants who signed up. Seokhoon managed to make it to the finals - the top 5. It is out of these 5 that a winner will be announced.

Each contestant is allowed to choose any piece of their choosing, as long as it involves the orchestra. They were ordered based on their overall point rank from round 1 and 2. Seokhoon was the final performer for the finals. Rona was waiting outside of the hall nervously, compared to her finals, she felt more nervous today. She really hoped Seokhoon would be able to win.

She knew that with the win, it would really increase Seokhoon's portfolio and just make his debut even more colourful. This is a great opportunity for them both, it gave them an early start as professionals. The gang had all arrived.

Rona you look really nervous, are you okay?

Yeah I am fine. Thanks for asking Seungho. I just want Seokhoon to do well.

Haha, I don't think you need to worry about that too much, Rona. Seokhoon is such a hard worker, I am sure his efforts will pay off.

They were soon let into the Hall and Rona and the gang sat around the middle section of the Hall. Rona clasped her hand in a quick prayer and the competition soon began. Each contestant was given about an hour to perform their piece. Each contestant was talented and experienced, almost 4 hours later, it was finally Seokhoon's turn. Seokhoon walked up on stage, his stride was confident. He was wearing a suit that had a tailcoat, he bowed to the audience and to the conductor before he sat at the piano.

He placed his hands on the piano and waited for the signal from the conductor. Once the signal was given, Seokhoon started to play. Seokhoon chose 'Ravel Piano Concerto in G major' as his final piece.

Seokhoon was calm, confident and hyper focused. As the piece began, Rona slowly breathed a sigh of relief. He was good. Rona knew that Seokhoon had high hopes of placing at least in the top 2, based on this performance, she believed Seokhoon would be able to win this. The entire audience was captivated by Seokhoon's performance, not only did he move with the music but he played with such passion and elegance that you just could not take your eyes off him.

After almost a 50 minute performance, Seokhoon was finished. The audience applauded and cheered. Rona smiled with joy, Seokhoon was fantastic. There was something just special when you watched and heard him playing. Seokhoon has gotten even better.

I agree, George we are in for trouble if we don't work harder.

For sure Seungho, shall we try to go for a competition soon.

I think we should. Look at Seokhoon and Rona. The two have really grown so much as musicians because of this experience. Let's do it George. So Hyun heard the conversation, and she smiled. Seungho's words were true, even though going for competition is always scary and nerve wracking. By putting yourself out there, and competing with equally talented musicians and artists. There is that possibility of it spurring you not just creatively but pushing you outside of your comfort zone and learning from others.

After about 5 minutes, the host and judging panel entered the stage. It was time to announce the top 3. As the names were slowly announced, Seokhoon's name had not been called yet. It was now the winner of the competition.

And now, the winner of the 2023 Piano American Protégé Music Competition is Shim Seokhoon! Everyone got up and cheered. Rona was especially happy, it would have been really strange and sad if she had won but he didn't. Luckily, Seokhoon won. The group gathered outside, waiting for Seokhoon to finish what he needed to do. There they saw Prof James come out.

Hello you all. Are all of you here to support Seokhoon?

Yes Prof, it is nice to see you.

George, Seungho, looks like you two need to catch up...

Yes Prof, George and I were talking about signing up for a competition.

That sounds good, we can talk more about this tomorrow after class. Rona, tomorrow you and Seokhoon would need to sit down with the Corporate Communication department from the Faculty. Juilliard would want to publish these results, also get ready that a few media companies would want to interview you both. Especially since both of you have officially debuted, this would create big news.

Understood Prof James. Seokhoon exited the hall, the gang along with Prof James offered their congratulations. Rona was the last to walk up and congratulate him, she pecked him lightly on the cheek. Congrats Seokhoon-ah, I am so proud of you. Seokhoon hooked his arm around her waist and smiled. He whispered softly against her lips. Do I get a reward? Rona smiled. Maybe.

With that the group eventually departed from Carnegie Hall and headed home. Even though Seokhoon asked for a reward from Rona, he was rather exhausted to try anything today. Rona knew this and so she told him she would give him his reward on a day where they were both free. With the promise from his fiancé, Seokhoon went to bed with a big smile on his face.

Note: We are so near the end!!