선율
Youl Sun
Pianist Youl Sun achieved a remarkable triple victory at the 2024 Gina Bachauer International Artists Piano Competition held in June, winning the Gold Medal, the Audience Choice Prize, and the Student Jury Prize. Known for his exceptional technique and musicality, he also garnered attention on the European stage by winning second prize and the Audience Prize at the 2023 Viseu International Piano Competition in Portugal. He has continued to earn accolades, placing in subsequent competitions such as the 2023 Isang Yun International Piano Competition, the 2024 International Piano Competition Istanbul Orchestra’ Sion, and the Maria Canals International Music Competition.
Youl began to make his mark early on, winning top prizes at prominent Korean competitions including the Nanpa Music Concours, the Suri Music Concours, the Sungjung Music Competition, the Ehwa-Kyunghayng Music Competition, the Kukmin Daily & Hansei University Music Competition, and the Korea Chopin Competition. He also received the Shinhan Music Award in the piano category and First Place and the Polonaise Prize at the Asia-Pacific International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition. Additionally, he earned second place and the Schubert Prize at the E-Piano Junior Competition in the USA.
He has collaborated with renowned conductors such as Antoni Wit, Massimo Zanetti, Mark Russell Smith, Adrien Perruchon, Jonggi Lee, Jooyoung Jeong and Seokwon Hong, and collaborated with Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra, Philharmonie Korea, Minnesota Orchestra, Hankyung Philharmonic Orchestra, KORAIL Symphony Orchestra, KNIGA Symphony Orchestra and Yewon School Orchestra.
Youl has also performed on notable stages including Salle Cortot in Paris, Yamaha Hall in Ginza (Japan), Seoul Arts Center, Lotte Concert Hall, Sejong Center, Kumho Art Hall, Gyeonggi Arts Center, Keimyung Art Center, Gwangju Bitgoeul Citizen Culture Center, Andong Culture and Arts Center, and Tongyeong International Music Hall. His solo recitals and diverse performances include the 2021 Gyeonggi Piano Festival, Yamaha Rising Pianist Concert, Choi Ina Bookstore Concert, Art M Concert, Kumho Young Artist Concert, Kumho Young Talent Concert, The House Concert Close-up Series and July Festival, Gyeonggi Arts Center Peace & Piano Festival Discovery Concert, NWA Young Pianist Concert Series 2019, KNUA Beethoven 250th ‘Strum und Drang’, and the 2019-2020 International Art Hall Series.
Known for his colorful repertoire, meticulous touch and advanced technique, Youl is recognized for his unique interpretations and has garnered significant attention in both domestic and international classical music circles. His recital at the Arts Center in 2022 was highly praised for its flawless execution of a two-hour program. In addition to his solo performances, he is passionate about chamber music and collaborations. He formed the ‘Harang Duo’ with fellow pianist Bae Jae-seong, performing regularly and showcasing perfect synergy in concerts such as the 2023 Arts Center Inchun Art Hall Special Rachmaninoff Series and the Andong Culture and Arts Center Brunch Concert.
Youl has collaborated with the Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra under Massimo Zanetti, performing Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1, and with the Hanwha Life Arts Center for the 11 AM Concert in 2022, performing Liszt's Piano Concerto No. 1. In 2023, he performed Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3 with Philharmonic Korea under Adrien Perruchon, demonstrating perfect coordination with the orchestra.
Youl graduated from Yewon School, and while attending Seoul Arts High School was admitted to and graduated from the Korea National University of Arts as an artistic prodigy. Since 2022, he has been continuing his musical studies in France. After graduating from the Schola Cantorum de Paris in 2023, he is currently enrolled at the École Normale de Musique de Paris. He has studied under professors Yoojung Yoon, Daejin Kim, and Olivier Gardon, and is currently receiving artistic support from the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundatieon.
