Jeonghwan Kim, the 2023 First Prize winner of the Sydney International Piano Competition, recently concluded a remarkable tour across Australia. This tour, which spanned from 30 September to 22 October 2024, showcased his extraordinary talent in cities including Adelaide, Bunbury, Perth, Wagga Wagga, Canberra, Bundanoon, Gunnedah, Tamworth, Coffs Harbour, and Sydney. Kim’s concerts left a trail of awe-inspired audiences, underscoring his status as one of the most exciting emerging pianists on the global stage.
Jeonghwan’s musical journey began at the age of six. His prodigious talent quickly became apparent, winning numerous national competitions in South Korea, which led to his acceptance into the Seoul Arts Centre Academy for Young Talented Musicians at just nine years old. This early promise was only the beginning. At 11, Jeonghwan moved to Berlin to continue his education, where he has garnered widespread recognition. His studies at the prestigious Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler under the guidance of Professor Konrad Maria Engel have been pivotal to his development. Previous mentors, including Kyuhee Kim, Leda Kim, and Thomas Just, also helped shape his artistic path.
Jeonghwan Kim rehearsing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in Perth
Jeonghwan’s rapid ascent in the classical music world has seen him win a string of prestigious awards. In 2022, he took the 1st prize at the Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy competition in Berlin and claimed both the Fourth Prize and the Audience Prize at the Sendai International Piano Competition. His crowning achievement came in July 2023 when he won First Prize at the Sydney International Piano Competition, along with two special accolades for his performance of Bartók’s second piano concerto and the Best Overall Concerto Prize.
Jeonghwan’s Australian tour was a triumphant showcase of his artistry and technical brilliance. His mastery of the piano, combined with his sensitive interpretations, resonated deeply with audiences: “The performance by pianist Jeonghwan Kim at the Wesley Music Centre on Friday was spectacular”, wrote an audience member at his Wesley Music Centre performance in Canberra. His two performances of Rachmaninov’s 2nd Piano Concerto in Perth brought the audience to their feet for a sustained standing ovation. Jeonghwan expressed his gratitude, saying, “It has been a fantastic experience performing for such passionate audiences across Australia. Their energy and enthusiasm have inspired me throughout this tour.”
Jeonghwan Kim performing in Sydney at Phoenix Central Park. Photo by Bronte Godden
The tour’s success also highlights the prestige of the Sydney International Piano Competition, which has built a reputation as one of the most respected platforms for exceptional young pianists. The competition serves as a launching pad to accelerate a pianist’s career, with Piano+ providing vital support by organising tours across Australia. Previous winners, such as Andrey Gugnin and Konstantin Shamray, have greatly benefited from this platform, using it as a springboard to establish themselves on the international concert scene. Jeonghwan Kim is the latest in this line of distinguished pianists who have found success through the competition.
Jeonghwan Kim receiving his Prize at Sydney International Piano Competition 2023
As the Sydney International Piano Competition approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027, preparations are already underway for this momentous celebration. Support from patrons and music lovers is essential to ensuring the continued success of this world-class event, and donations to help realise its ambitious plans are highly encouraged.
Looking ahead, Jeonghwan will join The Young Virtuosi for performances in Sydney on 16 November and in Melbourne on 18 November, offering audiences another opportunity to experience his remarkable talent firsthand.