Isang Yun Competition 2009, which commemorates the renowned late Korean-German composer, will take place Nov. 14-21 at Tongyeong Citizen`s Center in Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province. The city is Yun`s hometown.
The music competition, launched in 2003, used to be called Gyeongnam International Music Competition, until last year.
Hosted by the Tongyeong International Music Festival Foundation, the competition was intended to remember late composer Yun, who is known for his unique style that combined Western and Korean cultures.
"We`ve always thought that Korea needed music competitions that commemorate its acclaimed composers so that they can represent the country," said Kim Seung-geun, the chairman of the TIMF Foundation.
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The event focuses on one of three instruments - cello, violin and piano - every three years. This year, the competition focuses on the cello.
"I`m very glad that we got the competition`s original title back in seven years. With Professor Chung Myung-hwa being the head judge, I think that we can make the competition successful this year," Kim said.
Since cello competitions are fewer than those for the piano and violin, Kim said the Isang Yun Competition has the potential to become one of the five best competitions in the world.
"I already think that the competition has grown to be more well-known in the world, considering that we started from scratch back in 2003. We ultimately plan to make it one that represents Asia," he said.
The event this year features 27 young artists from 13 different countries. All contestants are required to perform Yun`s "Glissees Fur Violoncello Solo" for the first round of the main competition and "Espace 1" or one of the composer`s works that were created after 1950 for the second round.
The competition also features an impressive line-up of judges. The nine-member jury includes head judge Chung Myung-wha, Chinese concert cellist Jian Wang and Lee Jong-young, the head of Kyung Hee University`s School of Music, who first performed "Glissees Fur Violoncello Solo" with Chung here.
The winner of Isang Yun Competition 2009 will receive a prize of $72,000 and an opportunity to collaborate with a world leading orchestra (to be announced) at the annual festival sometime in the future.
Because of the rising cases of H1N1 flu, however, the winner`s concert which was originally scheduled for Nov. 22 has been cancelled, said competition organizers.
(youngaah@heraldcorp.com)

By Koh Young-aah