MUSIC lovers can expect to be dazzled by young Korean-born pianist Jeonghwan Kim, at a special afternoon concert in Coffs Harbour.

Jeonghwan, who began piano lessons at six years old, beat 31 international competitors for the top two prizes at the 2023 Sydney International Piano Competition; winning first prize and the Eileen Joyce best overall concerto prize.

In 2022, Jeonghwan was awarded first prize at the Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy competition in Berlin and fourth prize and the audience prize at the Sendai International Piano Competition.

He has performed with the Konzerthaus Orchester Berlin, with the Aarhus and Odense Symphony Orchestras, and has given concerts in major halls in Berlin, Weimar, Hamburg and Aarhus – among others.

One of the most sought-after pianists in the world, Jeonghwan is returning to Australia to perform selections from the works of Beethoven, Bartók, Chopin, and Rachmaninoff.

His “barnstorming” post-competition winners tour generated glowing reviews.

Piers Lane, Artistic Director of the Sydney International Piano Competition, said “[In] Jeonghwan Kim, we have a very complete pianist and artist; quite extraordinary for a young man who turned 23 during the competition.

Jeonghwan will perform in the theatre at St John Paul College, Coffs Harbour, at 3pm on Sunday, October 20.

Coffs Harbour Music Society vice-president Robert Smallwood, will give a pre-concert talk about the history and structure of piano competitions, before discussing the three major sonatas Jeonghwan will play.

By Andrew VIVIAN