Master Class with Pianist Yekwon Sunwoo
Presented by Korean Cultural Center New York and Korea Music Foundation
Saturday, May 3, 2025, 3pm
Korean Cultural Center New York
(122 E 32nd Street, New York, NY 10016)
Admission: FREE (Pre-registration is required)
*RSVP and seating are first-come, first-served.
*Limited same-day standby tickets available.
Step into an inspiring afternoon with pianist Yekwon Sunwoo, the first Korean to win the gold medal at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and one of the most compelling artists of his generation. Known for his expressive depth and refined artistry, Yekwon brings his international experience to a special master class at the Korean Cultural Center New York.
Tailored for emerging classical pianists, this unique program blends individual coaching and public instruction—offering invaluable insight into interpretation, technique, and musical storytelling.
Audiences are invited to join us at the Korean Cultural Center NY to witness the next generation of pianists refine their craft under Sunwoo Yekwon’s expert mentorship. Experience how artistry, precision, and imagination come together to elevate the concert stage.
For any inquiries, please contact the Korean Cultural Center New York at performingarts@koreanculture.org.
◆ Yekwon Sunwoo
Yekwon Sunwoo has been hailed for his “unfailingly consistent excellence” (International Piano) and celebrated as "a pianist who commands a comprehensive technical arsenal that allows him to thunder without breaking a sweat" (Chicago Tribune). A powerful and virtuosic performer, he also, in his own words, "strives to reach for the truth and pure beauty in music.”
The first Korean Gold medallist of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, Yekwon's 24/25 season includes appearances with Ann Arbor Symphony, New York Classical Players, Colorado Springs Philharmonic, Armenian Symphony as well as recitals at the University of Michigan, Bechstein Hall and Carnegie Hall.
Recent highlights include concertos with the Macao, Kalamazoo & Victoria Symphonies, Slovak Philharmonic, Orchestre de Chambre de Paris as well as a US tour with the Esme String Quartet.
In previous seasons, he has performed as a soloist with the Munich Philharmonic and Valery Gergiev, Royal Danish Orchestra with Thomas Søndergard, Fort Worth and Tucson Symphonies, Washington Chamber Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Houston Symphony, National Orchestra of Belgium, Sendai Philharmonic and Royal Scottish National Orchestra amongst others. Recital appearances include Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall, Elbphilharmonie, Salle Cortot, Hong Kong Arts Festival, and a tour of Japan.
An avid chamber musician, Yekwon's collaborators include Clara Jumi Kang, Sebastian Bohren, Benjamin Beilman, Linus Roth, Andrei lonita, Sebastian Bohren, lsang Enders, Tobias Feldmann, Gary HoAman, Anne-Marie McDermott and the Jerusalem and Brentano Quartets. He has also toured Costa Rica, Guatemala and Panama with the Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation and performed at Chamber Music of Lincoln Center's Inside Chamber Music Lectures.
In addition to the Cliburn Gold Medal, Yekwon won first prizes at the 2015 International German Piano Award, the 2014 Vendome Prize held at the Verbier Festival, the 2013 Sendai International Music Competition and the 2012 William Kapell International Piano Competition.
Born in Anyang, South Korea, Yekwon began learning the piano at the age of 8 and made his recital and orchestral debuts in Seoul at 15. His teachers include Seymour Lipkin, Robert McDonald, Richard Goode and Bernd Goetzke.
In September 2023, Yekwon released his second album for Decca Universal Music Korea featuring works by Rachmaninov following his first album in 2020 of works by Mozart. In 2017, Decca Gold released Cliburn Gold 2017 two weeks after Yekwon was awarded the Gold Medal and includes his award-winning performances of Ravel's La Valse and Rachmaninov's Second Piano Sonata.
◆ KOREA MUSIC FOUNDATION (KMF)
In 1984, the Korea Music Foundation (President Kyunghee Kim) was chartered in New York as a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing lives and strengthening communities through the transformative impact of music. Since its inception, KMF has presented numerous solo, orchestra, and chamber ensemble debut concerts in New York, including at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Merkin Hall. KMF has presented artists in concert including David Kim, Catherine Cho, Minsoo Sohn, Alissa Park, HaeSun Paik, Daejin Kim, Hera Hyesang Park, and Sungwon Yang. KMF also runs a chamber music series at the Korean Cultural Service New York. KMF has been working with Korea Mecenat Association, a distinguished group of Korean companies, with the aim to elevate the prominence of K-Classical on a global stage by showcasing exceptional Korean performers in American classical venues.
http://koreamusicfoundation.org/