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Young South Korean pianist Son Se-hyeok, 18, has triumphed at the prestigious Prague Spring International Music Competition, securing first place in the fiercely contested piano finals held in Prague on Thursday (local time). Son outperformed 41 other talented pianists from around the world. Chinese pianists Zhiquan Wang and Xuehong Chen were awarded second and third prizes, respectively, according to the competition organizers.
For his acclaimed final performance, Son captivated the jury with a masterful rendition of Brahms’ Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor, Op. 15. His exceptional artistry also earned him three special awards. In addition to the significant prize money of 250,000 Czech Koruna (approximately US$11,972), the young prodigy has received an exclusive invitation to perform at next year’s esteemed Prague Spring music festival.
Reflecting on his remarkable achievement, Son shared, “I learned a lot through this competition. … I would like to sincerely thank my fellow participants, the jury and everyone who supported me,” in a statement released via the Kumho Cultural Foundation.
Son Se-hyeok’s burgeoning career began with his debut at the Kumho Prodigy Concert in 2021, a year that also saw him clinch the grand prize in the Henle Piano Competition, showcasing his early and consistent musical excellence.
Established in 1947, the Prague Spring International Music Competition is a celebrated annual event that spotlights emerging musical talent across two instrumental categories. This year’s edition prominently featured the piano and flute disciplines, drawing top young musicians globally.
This victory continues a tradition of excellence for South Korean pianists, as Lee Dong-ha previously secured first prize in the 2021 competition, the last time the piano category was held before Son Se-hyeok’s latest triumph.
