Seokyoung Hong

Seokyoung Hong began playing the piano at the age of five, quickly demonstrating remarkable talent. He received rigorous training in both piano and composition at the Seoul Art Center Prodigy Academy, laying the foundation for his musical journey. He later enrolled at Yewon School, Korea's most prestigious art school, as a piano major before moving to the United States to pursue advanced studies. Seokyoung graduated from Walnut Hill School for the Arts, where he studied under Professor Haesun Paik. He was accepted as the top student with a full scholarship to the New England Conservatory (NEC), where he is currently studying with Professor Wha Kyung Byun.

Seokyoung has garnered international acclaim, most notably as the top-prize winner and audience award recipient at the Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition. His other accolades include 1st prize at the NEC Prep Concerto Competition and the Yamaha Junior Division of the 10th Bösendorfer and Yamaha USASU International Piano Competitions. In Korea, he claimed victory at the 68th Ewha & Kyunghyang Music Competition, the most prestigious competition for young pianists in the country. Additionally, he has won numerous other competitions, including the Korea Steinway Concours, Dong-A Junior Competition, Youngchang Music Competition, Teenager Music Competition, Korea Liszt Competition, JEUNE CHOPIN International Youth Piano Competition, and the Kosciuszko Foundation Chopin Competition for Young Pianists.

His artistry has been recognized by esteemed organizations. He was selected as a Lang Lang International Music Foundation Young Scholar and named a Seth Kimmelman Scholar. He appeared on the acclaimed American radio program From the Top, where he captivated a nationwide audience with his artistry. He also performed in the Yamaha Rising Pianist Concert in Japan.

Seokyoung's dedication to advancing his craft has led him to participate in prestigious music programs and festivals. He received scholarships to attend the Morningside Music Bridge Program, the Frost Chopin Academy and Festival, the Young Scholars Summit at the Cleveland Institute of Music, and Music in PyeongChang. Most recently, he participated in the Piano Lieven Festival in Vienna, where he worked with world- renowned faculty and performed in various concert settings.

His performances have graced many stages worldwide. He made his orchestral debut with the Gunpo Philharmonic Orchestra as the grand-prize winner of the Eumaksekye National Final Competition and has since collaborated with ensembles such as the Millennium Symphony Orchestra, Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and the Wonju Philharmonic Orchestra. His recital debut in Seoul in February 2020 marked a significant milestone, followed by performances in Korea's most prestigious venues, including Lotte Concert Hall, the Seoul Arts Center, Shin Young Art Hall, and Myeongdong Cathedral. He also participated in the renowned Kumho Prodigy Concert Series. 

Seokyoung's artistry has earned critical praise. Classic FM described his playing as "full of fire, intensity, and musical precision," while Diapason lauded him for "highlighting in a particularly seductive way the lyricism, the aerial scintillations, and the fantastic whirlwinds inherent in the work." With his profound musicianship and boundless passion, Seokyoung continues to inspire audiences around the world, cementing his reputation as one of the most promising young pianists of his generation.