The Young Virtuosi tour has wrapped up, celebrating exceptional young talent with memorable performances across 14 cities, beginning on 24 October in Auckland and concluding on 18 November in Melbourne. Featuring 2023 Sydney International Piano Competition winner Jeonghwan Kim and 2023 Michael Hill International Violin Competition winner Jenny Jin, the concert series delivered a high-calibre musical experience.
The tour was made possible through the collaboration of Piano+ (Sydney International Piano Competition), the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, Chamber Music New Zealand, and the Auckland Philharmonia. Their joint effort provided a prestigious platform for Jeonghwan and Jenny to connect deeply with audiences, spotlighting each artist’s unique talents. With an eclectic program including beloved sonatas by Chopin, Saint-Saens, and Wieniawski, the tour celebrated youthful passion and technical mastery, skilfully showcasing Kim’s poetic sensibilities and Jin’s refined yet commanding violin sound. While each performer brought their distinct artistry to the stage, their shared commitment to excellence made each performance memorable and moving.
Left : Verbrugghen Hall, Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Right: Jenny Jin and Jeonghwan Kim with Consul-General of the Republic of Korea Yong Jun Choi and his wife.
Jeonghwan Kim has had a remarkable year since winning First Prize at the Sydney International Piano Competition in 2023. Known for his emotive touch and powerful interpretations, Jeonghwan has captivated audiences since his victory, balancing lyrical expressiveness with technical precision. The Young Virtuosi tour allowed him to connect even more closely with his fans, who have followed his journey from the 2023 competition stage to celebrated venues across the region.
Jenny Jin, a seasoned violinist and a winner on the international stage, complemented Kim’s performances with her own virtuosic style. Her interpretations revealed nuanced dynamics and an elegant strength that captivated listeners, adding depth and character to each work.
Feedback from audiences was overwhelmingly positive. In Sydney, concertgoers described the experience as: “It was a very enjoyable concert. The performances were exceptional and made for a pleasant and memorable evening.”
The performances were praised for their technical brilliance and emotional resonance, with attendees noting how each artist brought fresh vitality to classical repertoire, creating an experience that felt both timeless and immediate.
Left: Di and Lino Bresciani with Jenny Jin and Jeonghwan Kim after the Melbourne performance . Right: Melbourne Recital Centre and Primrose Potter Salon.
As the tour concludes, it leaves a lasting impression on both performers and audience members, strengthening the bond between young international artists and audiences in Australia and New Zealand. Jeonghwan Kim and Jenny Jin reaffirmed the power of classical music to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers while highlighting the joy of individual artistry. This tour has set a high benchmark for future presentations, underscoring Piano Plus Australia’s commitment to fostering young talents and enriching the classical music landscape.
Reflecting on her experience, Jenny Jin expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to connect with diverse audiences across New Zealand and Australia. She noted that each performance felt like a new experience, with the audience’s response making it particularly rewarding. Jin also highlighted the warmth and support she received throughout the tour, stating, “I feel there’s a lot more warmth in this whole family, and they really care for us.”
Jeonghwan Kim reflected on his experience saying, “It was an incredible experience to perform alongside Jenny, a violinist of such talent and artistry. The program we chose reflected the essence of what we both brought to the stage: a commitment to showcasing virtuosity while also connecting deeply with the audience”.
Please feel free to download The Young Virtuosi digital program here.
The Young Virtuosi partners
