PRAGUE — In a stunning display of musical prodigy, South Korean violinist Yuna Kim, 11, has claimed first prize at the 59th Antonín Dvořák International Radio Competition for Young Musicians, “Concertino Praga”, making her the youngest-ever winner of the prestigious contest.

A Triumphant Performance 

On September 13, at the Dvořák Hall in Prague’s Rudolfinum, Kim performed Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto with the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Tomáš Brauner. Her masterful performance earned a standing ovation from the entire audience.

The “Concertino Praga” competition, co-hosted by the Dvořák Prague Festival and Czech Radio, has been held annually since 1966 to discover talented musicians under the age of 18. This year, over 60 participants competed, with four finalists in the string and keyboard sections and four in the wind section.

A Rising Star with a String of Accolades 

Yuna Kim’s victory adds to an already impressive list of achievements. In 2023, she won first prize at the Zhuhai International Mozart Competition for Young Musicians in China, also as its youngest competitor. That same year, she secured second place at both the Arthur Grumiaux International Violin Competition in Belgium and the Piccolo Violino Magico Competition in Italy.

Kim made her official debut in Korea with a Kumho Prodigy Concert last year. She has since performed with renowned violinist Pavel Vernikov at the Seongnam Arts Center and engaged with fans through various broadcast appearances.

As the latest winner of “Concertino Praga,” Kim will receive a scholarship of up to 5,000 euros (approximately $8,190). She will also have the opportunity to make a radio recording with Czech Radio and perform at festivals, including the Southern Bohemia Festival. Past winners of the competition include celebrated violinists such as Václav Hudeček, Dmitri Sitkovetsky, Julian Rachlin, and Isabelle Faust.

Kim’s remarkable achievement at such a young age solidifies her status as a global musical talent and a name to watch in the classical music world.

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