Jieun LEE | Winner's Speech | Carl Reinecke International Music Competition 2025
- WOMCO
- Nov 11
- 2 min read
We are honored to feature Jieun Lee, recipient of the Grand Prize in Opera and the Platinum Prize in Original Composition for her breathtaking work The Opera Kalea Butalsoro at the Carl Reinecke International Music Competition, 2025 Season 3.
In this heartfelt message, Jieun shares the inspiration behind her award-winning opera — a powerful story of humanity’s search for renewal in an Earth transformed by climate change. Blending classical form with Korean rhythm and melody, her composition reflects themes of hope, coexistence, and harmony with nature.
🌿 “Art is the language of coexistence,” says Jieun, as she dedicates this recognition to her collaborators, librettist and director Jaechung Kim, producer Seung-il Park, and her advisors and supporters in bringing this visionary project to life.
🎤 Acceptance Speech – Jaechung KIM - Art Farm LK
"I'm deeply honored that my opera Kalea Butalsoro received the Grand Prize in opera and the Platinum Prize for original composition at the Carl Reinecke International Music Competition. This recognition belongs not only to me but to everyone who creates and believed in this work together. The opera tells the story of humankind searching for a new home on an earth transformed by climate change and rising seas. Kalea opens the path of change while Butalsoro represents love, peace and renewal. Through this work, I wanted to express who humans can reconnect with nature and find new balance again. Musically, the opera combines classical form with Korean rhythm and melody enriched by immersive audio sound. It connects myth and imagination about the future sharing a message of resilience and hope. This award reminds me that art is the language of coexistence. I deeply thanks the singers, musicians and all who brought this opera of life especially librettist and director Jaechung Kim, producer Seung-il Park, and advisors Sungwook Hong, Sunyoung Yoon, and the advisory team. My sincere thanks also go to the staff who put their heart into the stage and recording. This project grew from the support of the Art Council KOREA (Opera Division), which became the seed of this work. The collaboration of SEU E&C and Replay Music gave encouragement and strength to the artists, lighting our journey with warm support. This award is not the end but a new beginning. Through music, I hope to continue telling stories of the sea, the environment, and humanity, and to make art a quiet yet powerful voice of our time, a gentle dialogue with the Earth."
✨ The Carl Reinecke International Music Competition celebrates global musical talent across all disciplines — instruments, voice, composition, conducting, chamber music, improvisation, orchestra, and choir — providing opportunities for visibility and artistic growth in the digital era. Learn More: www.reineckecompetition.com
