Saeyoon Chon
Saeyoon Chon | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1995 (age 29–30) South Korea |
| Occupations | Pianist, educator |
| Instrument | Piano |
| Years active | 2010–present |
| Website | saeyoonchon |
Saeyoon Chon (born 1995) is a South Korean classical pianist and educator. In 2018, he won first prize at the Dublin International Piano Competition, becoming the competition’s first Asian winner.[1][2][3]
Early life and education
Chon was born in South Korea in 1995. He studied at the Glenn Gould School of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, where he earned a Bachelor of Music and an Artist Diploma. He later completed a Master of Music degree at the Juilliard School in New York, and is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at New York University, where he also teaches as adjunct faculty in Piano Studies.[4]
Career
Competitions
In 2018 Chon won the Dublin International Piano Competition, widely covered in Irish and Korean press.[1][2][3]
He has also received prizes at a number of international competitions, including:
- the Maria Canals International Music Competition (Barcelona),
- the Hilton Head International Piano Competition (USA),[5]
- the Valencia International Piano Competition Prize Iturbi (Spain),
- the Seoul International Music Competition (South Korea),[6]
- the Vendome Prize (Switzerland/France),[7]
- and the Cooper International Competition (USA).[8]
Performances
Chon has performed in recital at venues including Carnegie Hall (Weill Recital Hall).[9] His New York debut was described by ConcertoNet as “a masterful interpretation, and the crowning achievement of a very successful debut.”[10]
At the 2019 New Ross Piano Festival, The Irish Times characterized his performance as “totally secure and clear-speaking.”[11] Ahead of a Dublin recital, The Journal of Music praised his “flawless technique and hugely sensitive musicianship.”[12]
Chon was also featured on RTÉ Radio 1’s Arena program, discussing his Dublin competition win and subsequent recital appearances.[13]
Festivals
Chon has appeared at major international festivals. At the Verbier Festival, he received the 2021 Tabor Foundation Award, presented to the best pianist of the soloist programmes.[14] He has also participated in the Ravinia Festival’s Steans Music Institute in 2024 and 2025, with appearances noted in Chicago press.[15]
Teaching
Since 2024 Chon has served as Adjunct Faculty of Piano Studies at New York University’s Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.[4]
References
- ^ a b Dervan, Michael (30 May 2018). "Sae Yoon Chon is first Asian winner of Dublin International Piano Competition". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 16 June 2025. Retrieved 3 September 2025.
- ^ a b Fleming, Eoin (30 May 2018). "Sae Yoon Chon wins Dublin International Piano Competition". The Journal of Music. Archived from the original on 7 December 2023. Retrieved 3 September 2025.
- ^ a b "Korean pianist Sae Yoon Chon wins Dublin competition". The Korea Herald. 13 May 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2025.
- ^ a b "Saeyoon Chon – NYU Steinhardt". New York University. Archived from the original on 7 February 2025. Retrieved 3 September 2025.
- ^ "2016 Hilton Head IPC Results". Hilton Head International Piano Competition. Retrieved 3 September 2025.
- ^ "Seoul International Music Competition – Prizewinners". Seoul International Music Competition. Archived from the original on 17 May 2025. Retrieved 3 September 2025.
- ^ "Vendome Prize – Winners". Vendome Prize. Retrieved 3 September 2025.
- ^ "Past Prizewinners – Thomas & Evon Cooper International Competition". Oberlin College & Conservatory. 18 November 2021. Archived from the original on 10 July 2025. Retrieved 3 September 2025.
- ^ "Dublin International Piano Competition Presents Sae Yoon Chon at Carnegie Hall". BroadwayWorld. 27 October 2021. Retrieved 3 September 2025.
- ^ "Review: Sae Yoon Chon New York debut". ConcertoNet. 2021. Retrieved 3 September 2025.
- ^ "New Ross Piano Festival finishes on a high note". The Irish Times. 1 October 2019. Archived from the original on 1 June 2023. Retrieved 3 September 2025.
- ^ "Sae Yoon Chon (piano)". The Journal of Music. 4 October 2023. Retrieved 3 September 2025.
- ^ "Dublin International Piano Competition". RTÉ Radio 1 Arena. 21 November 2023. Retrieved 3 September 2025.
- ^ "Academy Awards 2021". Verbier Festival. 1 August 2021. Retrieved 3 September 2025.
- ^ "Ravinia Steans Institute showcases young pianists". Chicago Tribune. August 2024. Archived from the original on 30 January 2024. Retrieved 3 September 2025.