The violin, and my dark night of the soul

In her quest to become a world-famous violinist, Ji-Hae Park fell into a severe depression. Only music was able to lift her out again -- showing her that her goal needn’t be to play lofty concert halls, but instead to bring the wonder of the instrument to as many people as possible.

(Music)

(Applause)

Thank you.

Hi, everybody.

Ban-gap-seum-ni-da.

I'd like to share with you a little bit of me

playing my life.

I might look successful and happy

being in front of you today,

but I once suffered from severe depression

and was in total despair.

The violin, which meant everything to me,

became a grave burden on me.

Although many people tried to comfort and encourage me,

their words sounded like meaningless noise.

When I was just about to give everything up

after years of suffering,

I started to rediscover the true power of music.

(Music)

In the midst of hardship,

it was the music that gave me -- that restored my soul.

The comfort the music gave me

was just indescribable,

and it was a real eye-opening experience for me too,

and it totally changed my perspective on life

and set me free from the pressure

of becoming a successful violinist.

Do you feel like you are all alone?

I hope that this piece will touch and heal your heart,

as it did for me.

(Music)

(Applause)

Thank you.

Now, I use my music to reach people's hearts

and have found there are no boundaries.

My audience is anyone who is here to listen,

even those who are not familiar with classical music.

I not only play at the prestigious classical concert halls

like Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center,

but also hospitals, churches, prisons,

and restricted facilities for leprosy patients,

just to mention a few.

Now, with my last piece, I'd like to show you

that classical music can be so much fun, exciting,

and that it can rock you.

Let me introduce you to my brand new project,

"Baroque in Rock,"

which became a golden disc most recently.

It's such an honor for me.

I think, while I'm enjoying my life as a happy musician,

I'm earning a lot more recognition than I've ever imagined.

But it's now your turn.

Changing your perspectives

will not only transform you but also the whole world.

Just play your life with all you have,

and share it with the world.

I really look forward to witnessing

a transforming world by you, TEDsters.

Play your life, and stay tuned.

(Music)

(Applause)