Towering ivories

Born in South Korea and raised in Auckland, NZTrio pianist Somi Kim is a leading presence on concert stages at home and overseas.

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Somi Kim is one of Aotearoa’s most sought-after pianists.

She is a member of NZTrio, a group recognised as a “national treasure” and as “New Zealand’s most indispensable ensemble”. NZTrio is on the road this month for its Fantastique concerts.

What is your earliest memory?

Winter in Korea, going to visit my great-granny after school. She used to keep freshly roasted kūmara under a blanket so that I could eat it warm when I arrived.

What did you want to be when you were a kid?

I wanted to be a zookeeper when I was young, then I went through an astronaut phase before deciding I wanted to play piano all the time when I grew up.

When were you happiest?

Holding our daughter in my arms for the first time with my husband by my side. I can't believe that was a year ago now.

What makes you unhappy?

An unadjustable piano stool. Performing a concert with a chair that isn’t the perfect height is like running a marathon in shoes that don't fit.

What's your greatest fear?

Sleeping in a room filled with creepy-crawlies. I have a phobia about insects and for this reason I could never live in Australia.

What trait in yourself do you least like?

I can be quite particular and like things to be a certain way. It's something I've had to let go of since becoming a mother because all plans can go out the window with a baby!

What trait in others do you least like?

Lateness and indecisiveness, unless there is a good excuse for it. Being late implies a lack of respect of another's time. I’m slightly allergic to it.