A Rising Star and Award-Winning Violinist Juho’s Inspiring Musical Journey
- WOMCO
- Jul 4
- 3 min read
Juho Paek was awarded the Platinum Prize and Best Saint-Saëns Performance Special Award in the Youth (Age 11-13) category of the 2025 Season 2 Saint-Saëns International Music Competition.
Can you introduce yourself and share how you got into music?
I am 13 years old and currently attends Chadwick International School in Korea. From a very young age, I displayed an exceptional ear for music and began learning the violin as a hobby at the age of five. I was soon selected to join my school orchestra, where I discovered my passion for performing on stage and connecting with audiences through music. Since then, I have devoted himself to continuous violin practice and performance.
I have won first prizes in several international competitions, including the Vienna Youth Music Competition, the Salzburg International Music Competition, Prof. David Frühwirth’s Special Award, the Charleston International Music Competition, the Rising Stars Grand Prix, and the American Protégé International Music Competition. These experiences have fueled my dedication to music and helped him grow as a violinist.
I have performed with orchestras at prestigious venues such as Seongnam Arts Center, Yeongsan Arts Hall, and most recently, Lotte Concert Hall in Seoul. Last summer, I had the honor of performing at the Winners' Concert held at Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall, New York—an unforgettable moment that deepened my love for music and the stage.
Could you tell us more about your award-winning work? For instance, how did you prepare it, bring it to life, or any interesting stories behind the scenes?
I am a devoted admirer of Jascha Heifetz and Anne-Sophie Mutter. I study their recordings daily, constantly exploring how to recreate the brilliance of Heifetz’s tone. I also find great inspiration in performances by Anne-Sophie Mutter, Janine Jansen with the Oslo Philharmonic, Hilary Hahn, and James Ehnes with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra. Watching these world-class musicians has made him reflect deeply on how to express himself and shape my own stage presence as a performer.
What do you believe defines a great violinist, and how do you incorporate your unique style into your music?
I believe that a truly great violinist is someone who can not only faithfully recreate the music of the past, but also reinterpret it through the lens of the present. In this way, musicians serve as time travelers—helping modern audiences connect with the spirit of 2025 while also recalling the beauty of the past.
Can you recall a memorable moment from your career that had a significant impact on you?
A pivotal moment in my journey was my first collaboration with the I Musici Korea Orchestra at the age of ten, performing Haydn’s Violin Concerto. More recently, my performance at Carnegie Hall remains one of my happiest memories. I feel most alive on stage and aspires to grow endlessly as a violinist.
Inspired by the words of my mentor—my grandfather—who always says, “Be someone who helps others,” I strive to bring joy and comfort to many people through my music. I am actively involved in musical volunteer work, sharing my talents with underprivileged communities.
One of my most exciting moments this year was receiving an invitation to attend the Heifetz International Music Institute’s summer program. Although I couldn’t attend this year due to scheduling conflicts, the invitation itself was a great honor. I determined to attend next year and hopes to grow further under the guidance of world-class faculty at Heifetz.
