Woochan Jeong Crowned Winner in Tokyo
South Korean cellist Woochan Jeong, 26, has been awarded first prize at the Tokyo Minato City International Music Competition, following a remarkable performance in the finals held on October 2 at Tokyo’s Suntory Hall.Finals at Suntory Hall
All three finalists performed Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 2 and Elgar’s Cello Concerto, showcasing technical mastery and artistry in front of an international jury. Jeong emerged as the clear winner, taking home YEN5,000,000 (£25,000) and securing a recital engagement in Japan. He also received the Audience Prize, valued at YEN300,000 (£1,500).Other Prize Winners
The YEN2,000,000 (£10,000) second prize was awarded to 19-year-old Spanish cellist Guillem Gràcia Soler, while the YEN1,000,000 (£5,000) third prize went to Yoonsoo Yeo, a Korean-New Zealand cellist.Jeong’s Musical Journey
Jeong studied under Kang-Ho Lee at the National University of Arts in Korea from 2016 to 2020, before pursuing his master’s degree at Berlin’s Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler with Troels Svane in 2021.His career highlights include second prize at the 2014 International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians, first prize at the 2017 JoongAng Competition, second prize at the 2018 KBS KEPCO Music Competition, and an honorable mention at the Prague Spring International Music Competition. More recently, he secured second prize at the 2022 IsangYun Competition.
Performance Career
As a soloist, Jeong has collaborated with major orchestras, including the Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra, KBS Symphony Orchestra, and Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition, he performs chamber music as a member of the Eden Quartet.The Jury and Competition Format
The jury for this year’s edition was chaired by Shinozaki Maro Fuminori and included Peter Hörr, Massimo Macri, Matthijs Broersma, Seungmin Kang, Unno Mikio, and Watanabe Genichi.The Tokyo Minato City International Music Competition is held annually, alternating disciplines between violin, cello, and piano, and continues to position itself as one of the leading stages for young classical musicians worldwide.
Woochan Jeong’s triumph in Tokyo cements his place as one of the most promising cellists of his generation, with audiences and critics alike anticipating his next international performances.
