Join world-renowned violinist, Min Kym, as she reflects on the dramatic highs and despairing lows that have shaped her incredible musical career.

Born in Korea and raised in the UK, Min became the youngest ever pupil at the Purcell School of Music at just seven years old and won her first international prize when she was only 11. A decade later, as her professional career was taking off and with a world tour on the horizon, Min’s extremely rare 1696 Stradivarius violin was stolen from outside a train station café and her whole life fell apart.

This extraordinary event will see Min discuss her shattering feelings of loss and betrayal, as well as the devastating effects of the theft on her music, before turning to the incredible power of the bond between a musician and their instrument and how she recovered her inspiration.

The event will be chaired by BBC news presenter and journalist, Gwenan Edwards, and will culminate in a spectacular performance as Min revisits some of her favourite pieces by composers such as Brahms, Paganini, Massanet, Gluck, Bach and Fauré.

About The Speaker

Min Kym

South Korean born and raised in the UK, Min Kym began playing the violin at the age of six. At seven she was accepted as the youngest ever pupil at the Purcell School of Music; at 16 she was the youngest ever foundation scholar at the Royal College of Music. The legendary conductor George Solti said she had ‘exceptional natural talent, mature musicality and mastery of the violin’. In 2010 she recorded the Brahms Violin Concerto with Sir Andrew Davis and the Philharmonia Orchestra. She was the first ever recipient of the Heifetz Prize, and is a goodwill ambassador for the city of Seoul.

Photo by Orli Rose.

About The Chair

Gwenan Edwards

Gwenan Edwards is a freelance journalist and TV presenter, and has worked with the BBC for over 20 years. She has anchored on the BBC News Channel and on BBC World TV. She is a trained musician and has co-presented the BBC Proms from the Royal Albert Hall, and BBC Cardiff Singer of the World.