Mapo Cultural Foundation, Pianist Kim Dohyun Named First 'M Artist'

Introduction of the First Annual Artist Program by Gicho Cultural Foundation
Four Planned Performances Starting with June Recital

As the Mapo Cultural Foundation introduces the 'M Artist' system, its first-ever annual artist program, it announced on the 30th that the first recipient, pianist Kim Dohyun, will hold his first recital on June 13.

Pianist Kim Dohyun has been selected as the first recipient of the 'M Artist,' this year's artist of the Mapo Cultural Foundation.
[Photo by Mapo Cultural Foundation]

The 'M Artist' program selects one outstanding classical performer each year to showcase the artist's diverse charms to the audience. This is the first time such a program is operated by a basic cultural foundation rather than a private company.

The inaugural M Artist is pianist Kim Dohyun (29). He gained international recognition by winning 2nd place and the Best Performance of Contemporary Works award at the 2021 Busoni International Piano Competition. After completing his bachelor's and master's degrees at the Cleveland Institute of Music and Juilliard School respectively, Kim is currently pursuing an artist diploma at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Recently, he signed an exclusive contract with Felsner Artists, a classical management agency in Munich, Germany, gaining attention as a performer in Europe as well.

Starting with 'M Artist Kim Dohyun Recital 1' on June 13, Kim will perform a total of four planned concerts: the outdoor waterside stage recital 'Moon Sonata' at the 8th M Classic Festival in September, the main concert of the M Classic Festival on October 11, and 'M Artist Kim Dohyun Recital 2' on December 5.

At his first recital, he will present a diverse program including Liszt’s arrangements of Schubert’s "Litanies," "Erlk?nig," and "Trout," as well as Schubert’s "Wanderer Fantasy," Ravel’s "Gaspard de la nuit," and "La Valse."

On the second stage in the autumn evening, he will perform familiar pieces such as Debussy’s "Clair de Lune," Beethoven’s "Moonlight Sonata," and Erik Satie’s "Gymnop?dies."

In October, Kim will perform Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 2, which he played in the final round of the Busoni Competition, accompanied by a specially organized orchestra for the M Classic Festival.

At the final recital in December, he will present a program featuring piano works representing the deep lyricism of Gabriel Faur? and the complete set of Chopin’s "24 Preludes."

Song Jeyong, CEO of the Mapo Cultural Foundation, said, “Although the emergence of classical stars with passionate fandoms in Korea has increased interest in classical performances, the market itself is experiencing a serious gap between the rich and the poor. Through the 'M Artist' system, we will introduce outstanding performers with promising futures every year to expand the classical market base and actively support artists in developing new repertoires and challenges to grow.”