Cellist Lee Jaeri Becomes Youngest-Ever First Prize Winner at Schoenfeld String Competition

The Kumho Prodigy alumnus cellist Lee Jaeri has won first prize at the 6th Schoenfeld International String Competition, which concluded on July 23 in Harbin, China, the Kumho Cultural Foundation announced on July 24.

At 15 years old (born in October 2009), Lee Jaeri became the youngest participant and prizewinner in the history of the Schoenfeld Competition. She received a first prize award of $30,000 (approximately 41.76 million KRW).

She shared her thoughts on winning, saying, "I approached the competition with the mindset of enjoying the experience, so it is unbelievable and I am grateful to have received such a significant award. I did my best to prepare for every round, and it was a happy experience to have people truly listen to and empathize with my music. I will continue to strive to be a musician who can bring comfort and resonance to many people."

The Schoenfeld International String Competition was established in 2013 to honor the legendary violinist and former University of Southern California professor Alice Schoenfeld and her sister, cellist Eleonore Schoenfeld.

Held biennially in Harbin, the competition is divided into violin, cello, and chamber music categories. Notable past Korean prizewinners in the cello category include Kumho Prodigy alumnus cellist Heo Jakyung (first prize in 2014) and Kumho Young Artist alumnus cellist Lee Jiyoung (second prize in 2014). In the violin category, Kumho Prodigy and Young Artist alumni violinists Cho Jinju (first prize in 2013), Song Jiwon (first prize in 2014), Lee Jiyoon (second prize in 2014), Kim Bomsori (second prize in 2016), and Choi Jungmin (first prize in 2023) have been recognized.

This year's competition was open to cellists worldwide aged 32 and under. Through preliminary video screening, 32 cellists advanced to the live rounds. From July 14 to 20, the first and second rounds and the semifinals were held, selecting three finalists for the final round on July 23. Lee Jaeri performed Tchaikovsky's "Variations on a Rococo Theme" with the Harbin Symphony Orchestra conducted by Cai Jindong at the Harbin Concert Hall, securing first place. Second prize went to Mathias Balzat (New Zealand, 26), and third prize to Bogdan Efremov (Russia, 20).

Lee Jaeri made her debut at the 2021 Kumho Prodigy Concert. She quickly distinguished herself by winning first prizes at prestigious international competitions such as the Ysaye, David Popper, and Gustav Mahler competitions. She has also competed in adult competitions, becoming the youngest overall winner at the 2021 Ise-Shima International String Competition, and winning third prize at the 2023 Chieti Classica International Competition as the youngest participant. She was a finalist at the 2024 Janigro International Cello Competition, and the youngest semifinalist at both the 2024 George Enescu International Competition and the 2025 Prague Spring International Music Competition.

Lee Jaeri has studied under Lee Kangho, Choi Jungjoo, Lee Jungran, and James Kim. She entered and graduated from Yewon School at the top of her class, receiving the Lee Daebong Chairman's Award and the Doam Fellowship Scholarship, and was admitted to Seoul Arts High School on a full scholarship. Since 2019, she has been attending the Korea National Institute for the Gifted in Arts and is scheduled for early admission to the Korea National University of Arts next year.