SUPERSTAR PIANIST YUNCHAN LIM RELEASES DEBUT ALBUM CHOPIN ÉTUDES OUT NOW

“Teenage hurricane electrifies Carnegie Hall” – The New York Times
“Forget K-pop - South Korea’s new superstar is a piano prodigy” – The Times
“Yunchan Lim’s playing is so good you think you’re dreaming” – The i Paper

LISTEN TO THE ALBUM HERE

19 APRIL 2024 (TORONTO, ON) – Today, Yunchan Lim, one of the most talked-about classical artists on the planet right now, releases his debut studio album, Chopin Études, via Decca Classics/Universal Music Canada. Hailed as a “One-in-a-million talent” (Dallas Morning News) and having “the potential to become a once-in-generation pianist, one who combines astounding virtuosity with interpretive depth.” (The New Yorker), Yunchan recently performed the Chopin Études at his Carnegie Hall debut on 21^st February where he was described in the press as the “teenage hurricane” (The New York Times).

He is the pianist everyone wanted to sign, and hit the headlines (again) when Decca proudly released the news that they had snapped up the musician, following a prolonged bidding war. Known as the "Classical answer to K-Pop," he became the youngest-ever winner of the Van Cliburn Competition in June 2022. His magnetic stage presence, combined with deep musicality, has garnered him a devoted global fanbase, leading to sold-out concert halls worldwide. His blazing rendition of Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No.3 during his final Cliburn Competition appearance moved conductor Marin Alsop to tears and reached 13 million streams online, becoming the most-watched version of that piece on the platform. One critic noted: “The applause that followed was endless: a star had emerged before our eyes” (Seen and Heard International); The New York Times named his interpretation in the finals one of the top 10 classical performances of 2022, and The Economist stated, “Anyone needing a break from doomscrolling is advised to join the millions of listeners enthralled by Mr. Lim’s Rach 3.”

Now, setting down the Op.10 and Op.25 Études, Lim joins the esteemed ranks of legendary pianists who have tackled this repertoire before him, including his personal heroes such as Alfred Cortot, Ignaz Friedman, Joseph Lhevinne, Mark Hambourg, and Sergio Fiorentino among others. It is, he says, entirely deliberate. “The pianists who have performed the Chopin Études are a vast universe to me. I have always dreamed of one day becoming a profound musician like them and wanted to follow in their footsteps. So it is truly an honour for me to record Chopin’s Études with Decca.”. The album cover, shot on film, pays homage to the golden age of pianists on Decca from the 1960s, featuring one of the original Decca LP logos.

Having declared his wish to devote his life to music and that he would happily spend the rest of his days living in the mountains playing the piano, he contemplates becoming a vessel for the composers: “Within the études, there are such things as the agony of the earth, the regrets of an older person, love letters, longing, and freedom. Even when I was not practising them, the études were maturing deep within my mind.” (Yunchan Lim)

Critics and audiences alike have been consistently enchanted by Yunchan Lim’s performances, experiencing a meteoric rise in the classical music world. The young pianist is busier than ever, including performances with prestigious orchestras such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and Verbier Festival, among other major stages.

“He has the potential to become a once-in-generation pianist, one who combines astounding virtuosity with interpretive depth.” – The New Yorker

“Would it prove just another high-octane pyrotechnical display, short on genuine musicianship, or would it be the real deal? Well before the end of the evening there was little doubt that it was the latter... We’re at the start of something special” – Evening Standard

“Yunchan Lim’s playing is so good you think you’re dreaming” – The Times

“His London debut was our chance to see what all the fuss is about. Well, it’s real” – The I Paper

ABOUT YUNCHAN LIM
Born in Siheung, Korea, Yunchan Lim's musical journey began at the age of 7. He quickly immersed himself in his studies, and at age 13, he was accepted into the Korea National Institute for the Gifted in Arts, where he met his teacher and mentor, Minsoo Sohn. Yunchan's international debut came in 2018 when he won awards at the Cleveland International Piano Competition for Young Artists. His talent continued to shine, and by the age of 15, he was the youngest to win Korea's IsangYun International Competition.

LIVE DATES

26 Apr 2024

28 Apr 2024

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

Marin Alsop

Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No.2

Rachmaninoff: Piano Concerto No. 2

Performances:

Fri 26 Apr 2024 20:00 - Baltimore Sun 28 Apr 2024 15:00 - North Bethesda

15 May 2024

16 May 2024

18 May 2024

Luzern Symphony Orchestra

Charles Dutoit

Chopin Piano Concerto No.2

Performances

Wed 15 May 2024 19:30 - Luzern Thu 16 May 2024 19:30 - Luzern Sat 18 May 2024 17:00 –-Künzelsau

FOLLOW YUNCHAN LIM:
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube