Introducing Yangsook Lee
After graduating from Sunhwa Arts Middle and High Schools in Seoul, pianist Yangsook Lee began her post-secondary studies at Seoul National University. Relocating to the United States, she acquired a Bachelor's degree from the Curtis Institute of Music, followed by a Master’s degree from the Juilliard School, and a DMA in musicology from the King Sejong University in Seoul.
Yangsook was recognized for her musical talent from a very young age, performing her first solo concert at the age of ten, and winning second prize in the Dong-Ah National Music Competition in 1981. While studying in the U.S., she performed with the Curtis Symphony Orchestra and the New York City Symphony. After returning to Korea, she has established herself as an international performer through her appearances with the Vienna Mozart Collegium, the North Czech Philharmonic, the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine, and the I Solisti Chamber Orchestra of Naples, Italy.
In Korea, she has also performed with the KBS Orchestra, New Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, Jeju Philharmonic Orchestra, Chuncheon Philharmonic Orchestra, Gwacheon Municipal Academy Orchestra, TIMF Ensemble, Madri Ensemble and Charity Woodwind Ensemble, as well as numerous recitals both in Korea and abroad.
In addition, Yangsook Lee continues to work on developing as an artist, and has participated a Mozart Sonata Series, as well as performances commemorating the first anniversary of the Beethoven Research Society, and the French Music Research Association. Between 2009 and 2011, she completed the Chopin’s Series commemorating the 200th Anniversary of his birth, with six concerts including performances of two concertos.
Pianist Yangsook Lee was the Director of the Music department at the Sunhwa Arts School for 16 years, and founded the Sunhwa Music Prodigy Academy, presenting students for “The Little Mozart Concert” in Salzburg, Austria, St. Petersburg, Russia, and Brno in the Czech Republic.
She has been on the international jury panel for the Moscow Chopin Competition and the Artur Rubinstein Competition in Poland, and the Maria Canals International Competition in Spain.
Under the tutelage of Yangsook Lee the following students were nurtured with intensive training which led them to impressive results.
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Joyce Yang After training in the Korea National University of Arts program for gifted students, won 2nd place in The Van Cliburn International Competition while she was studying at the Juilliard School.
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Won Jae-yeon studied at Sunhwa Music Prodigy Academy and went on to win prizes at the Feruccio Busoni International Competition and Concours International Marguerite Long - Jacques Thibaud
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Lee Hyuk 2012 Steinway Competition 1st place, youngest-ever winner of the Moscow International Chopin Competition, at age 12
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In addition to these students, Yangsook Lee has cultivated many other talented young pianists over the past few decades.