POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — College of the Ozarks will host the Faculty Piano Recital: In-Ae in the Newman Recital Hall on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 7:30 p.m. This recital will feature In-Ae Ha as she performs three classical pieces.
The program will feature pieces composed by Muzio Clementi, Robert Schumann, and Béla Bartók, and was crafted to show the diverse palette of color and range of the piano across different stylistic periods.
“This particular Clementi sonata is distinct from his other sonatas because, apart from its obvious beauty, it has a tragic, painful, and somewhat haunted quality in the key of F-sharp minor,” Ha said. “Schumann’s ‘Davidsbündlertänze’ shows rapidly changing characters and moods across its 18 dances, which creates an epic story of emotional range within a single human soul.
The Bartók Sonata portrays the rawer and more transparent side of humanity through folk tunes and dance rhythms, dissonant piano sounds, and mixtures of modes. These three pieces are so distinct in style but, in my opinion, share a deep connection to the human soul and express the emotional world within – something that we can all connect with.”
The concert is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Program
- Muzio Clementi – Piano Sonata in F-sharp Minor, Op. 25 No. 5
- Robert Schumann – Davidsbündlertänze, Op. 6
- Béla Bartók – Piano Sonata, Sz. 80
More about artist In-Ae Ha
A rising star in the world of classical music, pianist In-Ae Ha is known for her brilliant virtuosity, deep artistry and captivating stage presence. Awarded second prize at the Concours International de Piano de Sorel-Tracy 2024, her performance of Brahms’ Concerto No. 1 received high praise, with critics noting “In-Ae Ha (South Korea) presented a thoughtful interpretation of Brahms’ 1st Piano Concerto. Ha’s playing had sublime moments of spaciousness and grandeur which contrasted beautifully with the tutti sections of the orchestra.” (Fiona Wu, La Scena Musicale). Ha won third prize at both the Epinal International Piano Competition and the Leoš Janáček International Competition in Brno and was a finalist at the Wideman International Piano Competition. She is the recipient of the Tuesday Musicale of Detroit Doreen Wessel Taylor Piano Award 2024-2025 and has performed at renowned venues worldwide, including Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Van Cliburn Concert Hall, Brno Philharmonic Besední dům, La Raxotonde Thaon-les-Vosges, Seoul Arts Center, Kumho Art Hall, Tokyo University of the Arts Concert Hall and the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, among others.
Born in Seoul but raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Ha began her musical studies at age 4. She first gained national attention at age 10 when she appeared on NPR’s “From the Top.” Her early accomplishments include winning second prize at the Chopin Youth Piano Competition and securing victories in the Louisville Orchestra Young Artist Competition and Cincinnati Young Artist Concerto Competition. She went on to perform with the Clermont Philharmonic Orchestra and Louisville Orchestra and was invited to give recitals at Comstock Concert Hall and University of Kentucky’s Center Theatre. In her teenage years, after returning to Korea, Ha made her debut at Kumho Art Hall as part of the Prodigy Concert Series at age 14. She further distinguished herself by winning the Grand Prize at the Eumak Journal Competition and the sixth International Piano Competition of Korea, and by being a finalist in the Seoul Arts Center Music Academy and Competition.
Ha’s recital engagements have taken her across Korea and beyond. She presented solo recitals at the esteemed Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series produced by Classical Music Chicago, Steinway Hall at Steinway Gallery of Detroit, and at the University of Michigan Britton Recital Hall. She also made notable performances at the Rising Star Concert Series at Hermann Art Hall presented by MOC Production, the Chosunilbo Debut Concert Series, The House Concert Series July Festival and at JCC Art Center Concert Hall in Seoul, Korea. In August 2026, she gave a recital as an invited fellow at the Gijón International Piano Festival. She was invited as Artist in Residence at the Porto Pianofest 2025 in Portugal and was invited to participate in the 2024 Gilmore Piano Festival Fellowship and the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity’s Art of Piano. She has also been a participant at prestigious festivals including the Piano Texas International Festival and Academy, Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival, Piano Summer at SUNY New Paltz, Mozarteum International Summer Academy, and the Indiana University Young Artist Academy.
Ha earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Korea National University of Arts, where she studied with Minsoo Sohn and Daejin Kim. After completing a second master’s degree at the University of Michigan, she continued there for doctoral study and served as a Graduate Student Instructor. She studies with Arthur Greene, whose mentorship has supported her development as both an artist and educator, and she also serves as his assistant teacher. Ha is currently a Visiting Professor of Piano at College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri. She is committed to the spiritual and musical growth of C of O students.