South Korean piano virtuoso Son Se-hyeok, just 18 years old, has achieved first place in the prestigious Prague Spring International Music Competition. Competing against 41 other talented pianists in the highly anticipated finals held in Prague on Thursday (local time), Son captivated judges and audiences alike. Chinese pianists Zhiquan Wang and Xuehong Chen secured second and third place, respectively, as confirmed by the competition organizers.
Son Se-hyeok’s victory marks another significant milestone in his burgeoning classical music career. He made his official debut at the Kumho Prodigy Concert in 2021, a pivotal moment that foreshadowed his potential. In the same year, he further distinguished himself by winning the grand prize at the renowned Henle Piano Competition.
The historic Prague Spring International Music Competition, established in 1947, stands as one of the most respected annual events in classical music. The competition traditionally features two instrumental categories each year, with the 2024 edition highlighting exceptional talent in both the piano and flute disciplines.
This win by Son Se-hyeok continues a proud tradition for South Korean pianists at the competition. The previous time the piano category was held in 2021, fellow South Korean pianist Lee Dong-ha also secured the first prize, underscoring the nation’s consistent excellence in classical piano.
