Getting to Know Connie Han
December 6, 2022
Our 2022-23 Rising Star Series continues Sunday, December 11 with a performance by the Connie Han Trio at 4 PM in the Wellspring Theater. Ms. Han took some time to tell us a little more about herself as she prepares to visit Kalamazoo to play selections from her latest, Secrets of Inanna, along with some jazz standards, and even some Stephen Sondheim. Buy an in-person or virtual ticket today for the concert.
Can you think of something new that you have learned in the last year about performing or preparing to perform?
I arranged and reimagined two classic American Songbook standards for solo piano, influenced by modern 20th-century harmony and the Afro-Caribbean rhythm and funk of Kenny Kirkland: “I Get a Kick Out of You” by Cole Porter and “Yesterdays” by Jerome Kern.
Where are you playing in the next six months? Is there a venue you are most looking forward to?
I look forward to performing at The Gilmore the most this Sunday!
What are you working on musically right now?
I work on imbuing my sound with wider dimension, strength, and power through refining my technique and diligently honing my own vocabulary and harmonic skill set so that I may have the freedom to always be creatively adventurous and original.
Who are you listening to right now?
Right now I am really digging into Freddie Hubbard; he has it all — swagger, confidence, chops, feel, attitude, and creative audacity! I am also digging into the ride cymbal “life force” of Billy Higgins and Elvin Jones
Is there a highlight of your year so far that has nothing to do with your music?
Putting together the visual and mythological concept for my new album Secrets of Inanna was an extreme highlight of my year as it strengthened my own philosophy as an artist and person. Mythology is a metaphor and blueprint for the inward, spiritual journey of the human condition.
Is there something you enjoy when you are not practicing, playing, or traveling?
I enjoy reading science fiction and high fantasy literature and watching timeless movies and TV in the same genres. I also enjoy exercising my creativity through fashion and beauty.
If you had any advice for young pianists that want to change their passion into a career, what would it be?
Be bold, unapologetic, and individual, but also remember to work hard and be exceptional at your craft!