Yuja’s turned into an influencer

Yuja’s turned into an influencer

News

norman lebrecht

May 29, 2023

She’s promoting a brand of luggage. Presumably for cash.

Comments

  • Morgn says:

    She has been a brand ambassador for Rimowa for a long time (along with Rolex and maybe a couple of other brands).

  • Andy says:

    Good for her. I wonder how much money some of the top performers lost during the lockdowns. Many have said they lost upwards of 100 concerts. If they can find something harmless to do to boost/replace incomes and/or leave them less at risk of future issues then they they’re wise to do it.

    • SVM says:

      Yes, provided that it is abundantly clear to the reader whether an endorsement is a “paid advertisement” or a “personal recommendation made without reward”. The ethical issue with many so-called “influencers” is a lack of transparency in that regard.

      • Nick2 says:

        Oh come on! Of course these are all paid “advertisements”! I believe only Rolex did not used to pay. Instead the artists could select the Rolex of their choice which could be changed every few years if so wished. Not sure if that remains the case.

      • Guest says:

        Her official Twitter account profile says Ambassador @rolex @steinway&sons @rimowa. No lack of transparency there.

      • PianoHobby says:

        The answer is obvious. No such thing as a free lunch. Of course she gets paid and good for her! Why add needless words?! Only a fool would think this is a personal opinion.
        Go Yuja! Can’t wait to see you live!!!

    • Desi says:

      I had no idea lockdown was so devastating for music’s “top perfomers.” Dear Jesus, I pray Yuja scrapes together enough dough for that fourth home. And please Lord keep loving watch over Taylor Swift in these trying times.

    • No says:

      Please. Let’s not pretend that Yuja is in the category of artists who suffered from losing work. That anyone is surprised that yuja is “now” an “influencer” is simply out of touch – can anyone count how many brands are now attached to her? The woman doesn’t need to work – she could have retired years ago on passive income, and her concert fees are eye-watering and at the height of the profession. You must be very naive if you think she is missing the income she lost in Covid – which undoubtedly has been replace many times over by now. Search her interviews for the slightest profundity or self-awareness – she’s too busy talking about shoes and dresses. Not a person who is actually a good role model for any aspiring musician.

      • Paul Sekhri says:

        Except you’re forgetting that she is an incredible pianist and world class musician.

      • Andy says:

        Well if her concert fees are ‘eye-watering’ then the amount of income that was lost from 100 or so lost concerts would be even greater. Any artist who had seen that happen (and knew it could happen again in the future through health, injury etc) would be sensible to have other income streams – regardless of whether they’re already wealthier than you’d like them to be (or you *think* they are)

    • Mel Cadman says:

      I’m not sure that justifies this kind of unbridled greed? I very much doubt Yuja Wang was impoverished by the lockdown in the way much less well known musicians, as well as many other performing artists, were. Acceptable for well known and well paid performers to promote consumer goods? I don’t think so.

      • Andy says:

        I didn’t say she was impoverished. I said she would have a lost a lot of income and she’s entitled to find other ways of making money if she wants. She is.

      • Nick2 says:

        How can you call it “unbridled greed”? That’s really rather childish. There is little difference between ‘stars’ in any field. When you get close to the top of your profession and are well ‘known’, business corporations will want an association with you. Look at sport. Most major sports stars earn a great deal more from endorsements and merchandising than they do playing tournaments. The late Mark McCormack’s proud boast after his IMG had managed Arnold Palmer for virtually all his career and subsequent retirement was that each year Palmer earned more than the previous one, even when he had ceased playing. That’s just the way of the world, like it or not.

  • Dieter says:

    I would think carry on should suffice for what she wears!

  • Herr Doktor says:

    If she were using her actual luggage, wouldn’t it be HALF the size of what’s in that picture, given the size of her outfits?

  • Mystic Chord says:

    Harmless? Maybe, but I feel slightly disappointed and somewhat surprised that the wonderful Yuja needs to sell overpriced suitcases to supplement her income. Wouldn’t a pianist of her calibre not command very significant fees for concerts and recordings?

  • Herbie G says:

    An ‘influencer’ is one obscure ignoramus who tells millons of other people how to think who cannot be bothered to think for themselves. See also ‘politician’ for the less obscure equivalent.

  • Zandonai says:

    I would never pay $1000 for a piece of luggage. My $300 Victorinox works just fine.

  • Music Lover says:

    Gowns?

  • Ludwig's Van says:

    All her gowns could fit into an envelope!

  • Guest says:

    There are quite a few brand ambassadors in classical music these days… Lorenzo Viotti, Lang Lang, Renaud Capucon, i don’t see the disparaging tone used towards them from SD. What could be the difference? Oh wait…

  • hobnob says:

    “Yuja Wang”–The name all the boys in high school wanted to be called by. Sorry. I’m old enough to know better.

  • John kelly says:

    These bags look mightily impressive – until the airlines have had them for a few flights. May as well buy a Samsonite…..

  • Wannaplayguitar says:

    Am I the only musician who instantly ordered several items of luggage (based on this Yuja plug?) Hopefully with a bit more daily piano practice, I too can join the elite club of happy and proud yellow suitcase owning soloists. Call my Agent.

  • Guest Conductor says:

    She could squeeze a baby grand in that luggage

  • Piano Lover says:

    Wow-this picture was taken in Finland as I can deduce from the car registration.

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