As is the case with many of the other 2018-19 Rebanks Fellows, Koo was struck by the wide range of musical projects he could pursue, as well as the incredible amount of support he received to complete them.
As a Fellow, “you can curate whatever kind of project you want,” says the Chicago-born musician. “It’s so nice. It’s so freeing. And there’s so much support.”
He worked with Riddle Films to record Bach’s chaconne for violin and singers, and collaborated with Korean rapper Lafic on a striking series of promotional videos. Most recently, Koo released his first mini-album, amusingly titled, Danny Boy.
Koo was struck by the immense support he received during his time in the program. “As soon as an idea germinates, staff immediately take action,” Koo says. “I’ve never been involved in a program where everyone is so proactive.”
Koo also credits the program for enabling him to play for his heroes. He was one of several Rebanks Fellows sent to the Lunenburg Academy of Music Performance, where he performed for legendary violinist Gidon Kremer.
“That was a gift,” Koo declares. “It’s in this program that dreams become reality.”
Watch Danny Koo's Performance
Fritz Kreisler’s Viennese Rhapsodic Fantasietta with pianist Grace Han
The Glenn Gould School is The Royal Conservatory of Music’s internationally recognized centre for professional training in music performance at the post-secondary and post-graduate levels.
Learn More About The Glenn Gould School
Unique in Canada, The Rebanks Family Fellowship and International Performance Residency Program is the one-year postgraduate program of The Royal Conservatory's Glenn Gould School. Created for artists on the cusp of a professional career, it offers a rich curriculum for career development including: private study with exceptional faculty and guest artists; concert presentations and career coaching; and marketing training and support. Each Rebanks Fellow also participates in a funded international residency.
Learn More About The Rebanks Family Fellowship