Jeonghwan Kim wins piano competition
Image: Jeonghwan Kim, winner of the 2023 Sydney International Piano Competition. Image: supplied
The Sydney International Piano Competition came to a thrilling close yesterday with the six finalists showing extraordinary virtuosity accompanied by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Alas, there could only be one winner and after careful adjudication, Jeonghwan Kim was announced the winner of the Ernest Hutcheson First Prize, receiving $50,000 cash.
“The six finalists all revealed strong and different personalities and musical approaches and the results reflect the seven international judges’ majority opinion on who best combines deep and original musicianship and pianism, with the ability to communicate and to make music in both solo and ensemble situations,” said Piers Lane AO, artistic director for The Sydney.
“In Jeonghwan Kim, we have a very complete pianist and artist – quite extraordinary for a young man who turned 23 during the Competion. His virtuosity is astounding, his accuracy in the most complex passages breathtaking. But his The Poet Speaks from Schumann’s Scenes of Childhood brought tears to my eyes. He’s got it all. He will be the perfect ambassador for The Sydney”.
As well as $50,000 cash, Jeonghwan Kim’s prize includes the following:
- A national tour of Australia from 25th July to 5th August, supported by a grant from the Bequest of Harry Colligan and Lionel Hann.
- A recital for the Australian Festival of Chamber Music.
- An invitation to be Artistic Director of one edition of Out West Piano Fest.
- A recital at Wigmore Hall in London.
- A recording on the Hyperion Records label.
- A digital release immediately after the competition and a double CD release taken from the live recordings during the competition on the Decca label.
- A concert engagement at the Bard Music Festival, New York.
- A recital for Music in the Studio Dubai Opera.
- A concert engagement for the Amigos de Música Os Agosta, Portugal
- Career development package from YCAT/CAG
“It means so much to me to win such a prestigious competition. To win first prize is such a rewarding experience, and a motivation to go further and explore more. I was really glad that I was able to connect with the audience, and to share beautiful music during the competition,” said Jeonghwan Kim.
The full results of the Sydney International Piano Competition are available on their website where you can also purchase tickets to see Jeonghwan Kim in concert.
