Festival of Classical Prodigies 'Asia·Tchaikovsky Competition' Concludes Successfully

Over 200 Participants from Elementary to General Levels Compete Intensely for 2 Weeks
Gifted Youths Under 15 Sweep Grand Prizes in 3 Categories
Winners to Hold Commemorative Concert at Seoul National University of Education on the 24th

The 2024 Asia Tchaikovsky Young Artist Competition, which concluded on the 17th, was a hopeful stage that confirmed the bright future of K-Classic.

In all three categories?piano, violin, and cello?young students aged 15 and under won the grand prize, surpassing not only their peers but also contestants in their twenties.

In the violin category, Choi Sujin (12) from Eonbuk Elementary School; in the piano category, Jeong Seungho (14), who is homeschooled; and in the cello category, Lee Jieun (15), a third grader at Yewon School, won the grand prize, according to Tchaikovsky C&C Co., Ltd., the organizer of the competition, on the 18th.

The youngest grand prize winner, Choi Sujin, performed "Caprice on a Waltz-Form Etude," an arrangement of the 6th of Saint-Sa?ns' Six Etudes d'ex?cution transcendante by Eug?ne Ysa?e, in the finals held on the 16th, earning her the honor. In the preliminary round, she performed the third movement of Bruch's Violin Concerto No. 1.

The judging panel commented, "Her performance with both hands is exceptionally outstanding," and "Her delicate expression of musical ideas was impressive."

Jeong Seungho drew attention by performing Scriabin's Fantaisie, known as a challenging piece, in the finals held on the 17th. In the preliminary round, he performed Chopin's Etude Op. 25 No. 10.

Lee Jieun, who won the grand prize in the cello category, performed the fourth movement of Elgar's Cello Concerto in the finals on the 16th. In the preliminary round, she performed Brahms' Cello Sonata No. 2.

The judging panel praised Lee Jieun, saying, "She showed natural music," and "Her confident performance was excellent."

The 2024 Asia Tchaikovsky Young Artist Competition, hosted by Asia Economy Co., Ltd. and organized by Tchaikovsky C&C Co., Ltd., was held over two weeks from the 9th at the Seoul National University of Education Music Hall Concert Hall in Seocho-dong, Seoul. The preliminary rounds took place on the 9th and 10th, the violin and cello finals on the 16th, and the piano finals on the 17th. About 200 classical prodigies competed fiercely in the three categories of piano, violin, and cello. Winners were selected in six divisions by instrument: grades 1-2, 3-4, and 5-6 of elementary school, middle school, high school, and university/general division. The grand prize winner was selected as one person per instrument regardless of age.

The winners are scheduled to hold a commemorative concert at the Seoul National University of Education Music Hall Concert Hall on the 24th from 1 p.m.