Jeongwoo Son, 10 (South Korea)

Hailed as one of the most promising pianists of his generation, 10-year-old Jeongwoo Son began his piano studies at the age of six, quickly establishing himself as a prodigy in South Korea. His exceptional talent and unwavering dedication have captivated audiences and critics alike. 

Son’s artistry has garnered top prizes in numerous international competitions. In 2022, he achieved first prize at the International Youth Music Competitions (Atlanta, USA), the Universal Music Competition, and the Eumaksekye Music Contest. His momentum continued in 2023 with victories at the Chopin Avenue International Piano Competition, the 26th Korea Chopin Competition, the 3rd Franz Liszt Center International Piano Competition, and the New York International Music Competition. He also received the prestigious Gold Prize at the Euterpe Music Awards. In 2024, Son added to his accolades with first prizes at the 16th Beethoven Competition and the Music Education News Competition. He triumphed again at the Chopin Avenue International Piano Competition, claiming both the solo and concerto categories, along with the special Chopin Polonaise Award. 

Son has also received invaluable guidance through master classes with esteemed professors, including Prof. Bronisława Kawalla-Ryszka, Prof. Kate Hyunkyung Lee, Prof. Elżbieta Karaś, and Yoonji Kim. Their mentorship has shaped his artistic development and musical interpretation. 

Since making his orchestral debut at the age of eight, Son has collaborated annually with renowned orchestras, demonstrating exceptional versatility and command of the instrument. Beyond competitions, he has performed on distinguished stages worldwide. In 2022, he appeared at the Chopin Avenue Winter Piano Getaway and the New Year Concert in Seoul. In 2023, he was invited by the Polish Consulate to perform at the Hong Kong Arts Centre, followed by acclaimed performances in Warsaw and Katowice, Poland. His rendition of Haydn’s Piano Concerto No. 11, Mov. 3 with the Zabrze Philharmonic Orchestra further highlighted his musical maturity and virtuosity. 

In 2024, Son performed solo and concerto repertoire at the Warsaw National Philharmonic Hall and collaborated with the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Adam Klocek in Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 23, Mov. 1. These performances were met with enthusiastic praise, solidifying his reputation as an artist of exceptional depth and technical brilliance. 

At the beginning of 2025, Son achieved first prize and the Best Performance of a Chopin Work Award at the Chopin Avenue International Piano Competition. He also made his successful recital debut at the Rudolfinum’s Suk Hall in Prague on February 4. 

In June 2025, he participated in the PianoTexas International Festival & Academy in Fort Worth, USA, performing as a Junior Performer. In August, he took part in the Chopin Avenue Piano Festival, performing with the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra in Poland and receiving the Grand Prize in the Junior category. 

Jeongwoo Son’s dedication to his craft and remarkable achievements at such a young age herald a bright future in classical music. As one of South Korea’s most gifted young pianists, his performances continue to inspire and leave an indelible impression on audiences across the globe.