Young Jae Kim (2000, South Korea) displayed a deep passion for piano playing from the age of six. After moving to the Netherlands, he began his studies at the Sweelinck Academy of the Conservatorium van Amsterdam with Marjès Benoist. In 2015, he embarked on a significant mentorship with Jan Wijn, becoming one of the esteemed professor’s final students. Youngjae’s dedication to piano intensified later with David Kuijken. Currently, he is pursuing his Master’s degree under the guidance of Frank van de Laar. In 2013, Youngjae won the first prize in the Regional Finals of the Prinses Christina Concours in Haarlem, Junior Category. The following year, he performed Mozart’s 14th Piano Concerto with the Yehudi Menuhin School Orchestra during the finals of the YPF Junior Competition. Recent performances include the Finale of Schumann’s Carnaval on Podium Klassiek (NPO2) in 2022, and Kurtág’s Op. 6d Splitters at Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ in 2023. He also performed in the YPF Young Virtuosi Series at De Duif in 2024. Young Jae strives to create a magnetic connection between pianist and audience, bringing honesty and depth to every performance.

Repertoire:

Quarter Finals
L. van Beethoven – Sonata No. 26 in E-flat major, Op. 81a ‘Les Adieux’
M. de Falla – Andaluza (from Cuatro Piezas Españolas)
I. Stravinsky – Trois mouvements de Petrouchka

Semi Finals
W.A. Mozart – Quartet No. 1 in G minor, K. 478
S. Prokofieff – Sonata No. 6 in A major, Op. 82

Finals
J.P. de Graaff – Lock, Stock, and Barrel
L. van Beethoven – Concerto No. 3 in C minor, Op. 37