Renowned cellist-turned-conductor Jang Han-na will be taking the lectern at KAIST. KAIST announced on the 13th that conductor Jang Han-na has been appointed as an Invited Special Professor at the Graduate School of Culture Technology. The purpose of this appointment is to expand the cultural and artistic base within KAIST and to lay the foundation for students to grow into creative and convergent talents by inviting a world-class artist.
Professor Jang will teach a course titled “Orchestra Master Class,” where she will share her 31 years of research and stage experience as a musician with students and offer leadership lectures to undergraduates and graduate students, sharing her vision for music and her leadership philosophy as a conductor.
The “Orchestra Master Class” is a practical, open class where the conductor directly guides student performers through live music interpretation and collaboration.
In particular, Professor Jang will also be involved in AI technology consultation necessary for orchestra performances through the Jo Su-mi Performing Arts Research Center at the Graduate School of Culture Technology, playing a role in exploring new research directions for the convergence of art and science. Her term will be two years starting this month.
Professor Jang stated, “I am thrilled to share the values of art, leadership, and collaboration with students at KAIST and to contribute to nurturing future science and technology leaders’ artistic sensibility, creativity, and expressiveness through music.”
KAIST President Lee Kwang-hyung commented, “Professor Jang is recognized as a world-class conductor with artistic insight and leadership. We hope that her joining will open a venue for the convergence of science and art, inspiring future scientists with creative insights.”
Meanwhile, Professor Jang gained international attention by winning the Rostropovich Cello Competition at the age of 11, becoming the youngest winner. After an active career as a cellist on the international stage, she transitioned to conducting and has been recognized for her musical leadership and artistic vision, conducting prestigious orchestras such as the Munich Philharmonic, the Orchestre de Paris, the Philharmonia Orchestra in London, and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.