Rising star violinists Kim Seo-hyun and Lee Hyun-jung, and cellist Han Jae-min showcase their extraordinary talent
As the new year begins, three of South Korea's major orchestras are set to captivate audiences by featuring teenage prodigies who exemplify how early dedication and exceptional talent can achieve extraordinary results. The Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, KBS Symphony Orchestra, and Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra will each showcase a rising virtuoso: violinist Kim Seo-hyun, violinist Lee Hyun-jung, and cellist Han Jae-min, respectively.
On Friday, the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra will take the stage at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, joined by violinist Kim Seo-hyun, born in 2008.
In an interview for The Korea Herald's “Rising Virtuosos” series last year, Kim shared her passion for planning practice schedules and her relentless drive, admitting that she never feels fully satisfied after a practice session.
This dedication to her craft has already earned her an impressive international profile. In 2021, Kim won consecutive victories at the Ysaye International Music Competition and the Leonid Kogan International Violin Competition. The following year, she became the youngest-ever winner of the Thomas and Evon Cooper International Competition. In 2023, at just 14 years old, she set yet another record as the youngest-ever winner of Switzerland's esteemed Tibor Varga International Violin Competition.
Kim is set to deliver an unforgettable performance of Sibelius' Violin Concerto with the SPO under the baton of Jaap van Zweden.
Also in the evening's program are Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 4, “Italian,” Johann Strauss II's Overture to "Die Fledermaus," and "The Blue Danube."
On Jan. 18, the Mapo Cultural Foundation will present its New Year's concert at the Mapo Arts Center with the KBS Symphony Orchestra, featuring violinist Lee Hyun-jung. Born in 2010, Lee shared that she goes to bed with a sense of accomplishment, allowing herself to rest only after mastering a difficult section. She achieved remarkable success last year at just 13, winning second prize, the Audience Award and the Best Performance of a Commissioned Work at the George Enescu International Competition in Romania. She also claimed first place at the Leonid Kogan International Competition and the grand prize at the Rising Star Grand Prix International Music Competition, cementing her status as a rising star.
With the KBS Symphony Orchestra led by Kim Kwang-hyun, former chief conductor of the Wonju Philharmonic Orchestra, Lee will perform Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D major.
On Jan. 19, the Gyeonggi Arts Center will host a New Year's concert featuring the Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra and cellist Han Jae-min.
With the orchestra, Han will perform Saint-Saens' Cello Concerto No. 1. The orchestra will also perform Dvorak's Carnival Overture and his Symphony No. 9, “From the New World.”
Born in 2006, Han rose to international prominence in 2021 by becoming the youngest winner in the history of the George Enescu International Competition. In 2022, he went on to win the Isang Yun International Competition.
In an interview with The Korea Herald, Han expressed his aspiration to refine his musical style and grow artistically after intense competitions. He will take the stage at the KBS Symphony Orchestra's first regular concert of the year on Jan. 24 at Lotte Concert Hall. Under the baton of Eliahu Inbal, the orchestra will present Mozart's Symphony No. 25, Bartok's Concerto for Orchestra, and Shostakovich's emotionally profound and technically challenging Cello Concerto, featuring Han.
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