Ms. Kim Jookhyun, Department of Piano, Wins First Place in Padova International Music Competition
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- Writer 커뮤니케이션팀
- 보도일자 2015-08-06
Kim ranked first place in Piano Forte Category D of the 13th Padova International Music Competition Premio Citta’Di, held in Padova, Italy from June 14th through 21st. Among the contestants aged between 19 and 22, Kim received a near perfect score of 97 out of 100 for her play of Sonate Pour Piano by Henri Dutilleux.
The Padova International Competition, established in 2003, has uncovered great talents from across the world and is participated by contestants from any different countries including Russia, France, the United States, Germany, and China. Its winners continue to excel on other international stages, such as the International Tchaikovsky Competition and the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition. “I could do it thanks to my journal. I kept my journal every day, reminding myself my plans for the practice and where I had to focus each day Italy was a great experience for my future career.” said Kim.
Ms. Kim surprised the world yet again with her “home-grown” skills – educated and trained solely in Korea. Indeed, it is very rare for a student without any overseas experience to win such a distinguished international competition. Only few undergraduates participate in international competitions due to many reasons including heavy workload, high costs and work-study balance. It was no different for Kim. “On top of practicing hard during the school semester, I had to make flight and hotel reservations all on my own. It was quite challenge. During the week of the competition, I also had to adapt myself to the new environment. I was completely on my own for going to the studio and even to the competition venue!” However, she was deeply touched by the friendship formed between the participants during this process. “It was beyond rivalry, how we cheered for each other.”
Her mentor, Professor Jeon Hyesoo, has been her strong supporter throughout the journey. “Kim has been an outstanding student, with full scholarships throughout her high school and university. I challenged her to the competition, because I knew, with all her hard work and diligence, she would not let herself down.” Professor Jeon said.
After graduation, Kim plans to go to the US to further her study in Piano and Literature to widen her horizon. “I still have so much more to learn. I hope to come back to my alma mater one day and teach young students. My heroes are pianists Yuja Wang and Paik Kunwoo. Like them, I want to be a pianist with both technique and musicality. Dreams can come true if you work hard for it, yes?”
Translation by Sookmyung Interpretation Volunteers