South Korean conductor Yoon Han-kyeol has been awarded the prestigious Herbert von Karajan Young Conductors Award in Salzburg, Austria. The 29-year-old emerged as the winner after competing against 322 conductors from 53 countries. The biennial award, named after the legendary conductor Herbert von Karajan, aims to recognize and promote the talent of emerging young conductors aged between 21 and 35.
Yoon’s victory was announced on Sunday at the main auditorium of the Salzburg Mozarteum Foundation. For the final competition, he led the Camerata Salzburg orchestra in performances of four works, including pieces by Rossini, Mozart, Shin Dong-hoon, and Mendelssohn. Yoon expressed his honor and gratitude at performing on such a renowned stage as the Salzburg Festival.
Born in South Korea, Yoon is a multifaceted musician, excelling as a conductor, composer, and pianist. He studied music at the University of Music and Performing Arts Munich in Germany, where he specialized in conducting, composing, and piano performance. Yoon made his debut as a conductor and composer at the Tongyeong International Music Festival in March 2022 under the guidance of composer Chin Unsuk.
Apart from his musical achievements, Yoon has received recognition as a prize-winning composer at international competitions, including the Luciano Berio International Composition Competition in Rome in 2020 and the Tonali Composition Competition in Hamburg in 2018. His composition Grande Hipab had its world premiere in December 2021 at the hands of the Ensemble Modern in Frankfurt.
Yoon’s win at the Herbert von Karajan Young Conductors Award comes with a €15,000 ($16,500) cash prize. Additionally, he will have the opportunity to conduct a concert with an international orchestra and a young, upcoming soloist at the prestigious Salzburg Festival in 2024.
Yoon’s talent and dedication have not gone unnoticed, as he recently signed with classical artist management agency Askonas Holt, joining the ranks of renowned conductors such as Simon Rattle and Daniel Barenboim.
Looking to the future, Yoon expressed his desire to continue working as a conductor, collaborating with various orchestras and connecting with audiences worldwide. He emphasized his goal of creating meaningful musical moments through his performances.
Yoon’s upcoming engagements include a performance with the Stavanger Symphony Orchestra in Norway and appearances at the George Enescu Festival. His busy schedule reflects the growing recognition of his talent and the demand for his unique interpretation and skills as a conductor.
As a composer, pianist, and conductor, Yoon Han-kyeol has already made a significant impact on the classical music scene. With his recent win at the Herbert von Karajan Young Conductors Award, his star is set to rise even higher as he continues to captivate audiences with his immense talent and passion for music.
