Finding Emotional Depth in Modern Piano: Hyunjae Yoo, 2025 Saint-Saëns International Music Competition Grand Prize Winner
- WOMCO
- 2h
- 5 min read
Hyunjae Yoo, pianist from South Korea currently based in the United States, won the Grand Prize in the Professional Category for her performance of Dutilleux’s Piano Sonata at the Saint-Saëns International Music Competition, 2025 Season 3 (June 12 – September 12), with results announced in October 2025. Following her remarkable achievement, we had the opportunity to speak with Ms. Yoo about her preparation and interpretation for the competition, her artistic journey, and her perspectives on music in today’s digital age.
Could you walk us through your approach to preparing and interpreting your award-winning video performance for the online music competition? What were some of the artistic or technical considerations that shaped the final result, and are there any tips or points you think are important when submitting a performance video?
Hyunjae Yoo:
"Preparing and recording Dutilleux’s Piano Sonata was a deeply meaningful and valuable experience for me. This ten-minute modern piece presents not only technical difficulties but also requires the performer to convey a clear artistic purpose through those technical elements. I wanted each gesture and sound to express something beyond pure mechanics — to reveal the poetic and structural depth of Dutilleux’s writing.
Recording a performance video, however, presents its own unique challenges compared to live performance. Through multiple takes, I eventually realized that the best approach is to treat the recording session as if performing live — to forget about the camera and focus entirely on communicating the music. When one’s musical intention is strong and genuine, that energy can reach the listener even through the screen.
It’s also important not to become overly obsessed with perfection or small mistakes, as that often damages the overall flow and spirit of the performance. My advice for others recording a competition video would be to prepare as though it were a real concert: cultivate the same focus, honesty, and sense of presence you would bring to the stage. That mindset, more than anything, will make one's performance video come alive."
Could you talk to us about yourself, your journey in music, and your future goals? Could you also share your perspective on what defines a great pianist in today’s digital age, and what you consider to be the most significant artistic or professional challenges facing musician today and in the coming years?
Hyunjae Yoo:
"I began playing the piano at the age of eight simply as a hobby, but I soon found myself deeply fascinated by the instrument. By the time I was twelve, I decided to pursue it as my major — and that decision marked the true beginning of my musical journey, which continues to this day. Looking back now, it has been quite a long path, one that has shaped who I am both as a musician and as a person.
When I was younger, the piano felt like an infinite universe — boundless and full of mystery — but also something that could be daunting and humbling at times. Even now, I constantly discover new things and realize how much more there is to learn. Each moment at the piano brings fresh insights and growth.
At this point in my journey, my goal goes beyond personal development through music. I want to communicate with the world and reach people through music — even if it touches just one person, in any form, I hope it can evoke a genuine, personal emotion. That, to me, is the true power of music.
In today’s digital age, I believe a great musician is one who can remain authentic and human while embracing modern tools and platforms. The more our world becomes digitalized, the more we must protect and express our genuine emotional depth. One of the biggest challenges musicians face today, I think, is the limited space for classical music in mainstream culture — although it has improved, classical music still remains somewhat distant from the general public. I truly hope that classical music can become a more accessible and relatable cultural experience for everyone, connecting people across generations and backgrounds."
Would you like to share your experience participating in our competition and anyone you'd like to thank?
Hyunjae Yoo:
"Participating in this competition was a truly inspiring experience. It allowed me to reflect on my musical growth and to share my interpretation with a global audience. I was deeply moved by the sense of community among musicians who, even from different parts of the world, are united by the same passion for music.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the teachers who have guided me throughout my journey, as well as to my family and friends who have supported me and helped shape who I am today. Their encouragement and belief in me have been invaluable sources of strength. I am also sincerely thankful to the organizers of this competition for providing such a meaningful platform that connects and celebrates musicians around the world."
Biography
Hyunjae Yoo, pianist from South Korea, is recognized for her expressive interpretations and disciplined artistry. She began piano studies at the age of eight and made her solo recital debut at seventeen, marking the beginning of an active career as a performer. She is currently pursuing the Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance and Literature at the University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign, where she studies with Timothy Ehlen as the recipient of the prestigious Liszt Fellowship, a full scholarship with stipend. Previously, she earned her Master of Music degree at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music under Roberto Plano, following her Bachelor of Music degree at Yonsei University in Seoul, where she graduated as Salutatorian.
Ms. Yoo has been recognized in international competitions across Europe, Asia, and the United States. Her awards include Absolute Winner at Mozart International Music Competition, First Prize at the International Piano Competition “Città di San Donà di Piave,” Second Prize at the Franz Liszt Center Piano Competition, Second Prize at the “Napolinova” World Piano E-Competition, and honors from the NSAL Competition (Indiana Chapter), the Indianapolis Matinee Musicale Collegiate Scholarship Competition, the Spotlight International Piano Competition, and the MTNA Competition (Indiana Chapter). Earlier in her career, she was a prizewinner in national competitions in South Korea, reflecting her consistent artistic growth and commitment to excellence.
Her performance career includes appearances in both solo and collaborative settings. Notable engagements include performances at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall in New York, Auer Hall at Indiana University, Smith Recital Hall at the University of Illinois, and Yoon Joo Yong Hall at Yonsei University. She was invited to perform as a soloist at the 2022 American Liszt Society Festival, and in 2025 she participated in the Vienna International Summer Music Academy, where she was featured in the Young Artist Concert and the Final Concert. These engagements highlight her ability to engage diverse audiences and her dedication to an international performance presence.
Chamber music plays an equally important role in Ms. Yoo’s musical life. She has collaborated with violinists, cellists, and vocalists in duo recitals, piano trios, and larger ensembles. These experiences have allowed her to explore a wide range of repertoire and to develop a collaborative approach to music-making that complements her solo artistry.
In addition to performing, Ms. Yoo is deeply committed to teaching. Since 2016, she has maintained a private piano studio, mentoring young musicians and helping them cultivate both technical skills and artistic identity.
Currently based in the United States, Ms. Yoo continues to pursue an active career as a soloist, chamber musician, and teacher. She seeks to bring passion, depth, and clarity to her performances, and to communicate the transformative power of music to audiences around the world.