Winner's Speech | Jieun LEE | Max Bruch International Music Competition 2025
- WOMCO
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Congratulations to Jieun Lee, a composer from South Korea, on receiving the Platinum Prize in both the Original Composition and Musical/Opera categories for her work The Opera Kalea Butalsoro at the Max Bruch International Music Competition, 2025 Season 4. Reflecting on her awards, she described music as a bridge between memory and imagination, expressing her belief that composition can foster empathy and harmony between humanity, nature, and time—an artistic vision she continues to explore through her work.
"I'm deeply grateful to the Max Bruch International Music Competition for recognizing my work. For me, music has always been a bridge between memory and imagination. A journey to rediscover harmony among humanity, nature, and time. Each note begins with a quiet question. How do we life? What do we feel? And how do we share time together? Through these questions, I hope my music can speak as another language of the human spirit. In my recent work, I explore the dialogue between sounds, silence and the breath of nature. I believe music is not only emotion but empathy connecting people, the earth and the unseen stories that live within time. It is a great honor to have my music recognized under the name of Max Bruch, a composer who expressed sincerity and lyrical beauty through his art. I would like to express my heartful thanks to all who shared this journey, especially librettist and director Jaechung Kim, producer Seung-il Pak, advisors Sungwook Hong and Sun-Young Yoon, and the advisory team, as well as all the staff who put their heart into the stage and recording. This work grew from the support of the Art Council Korea (Opera Division) which became the seed of this project. The collaboration of SEU E&C and Replay Music gave warm encouragement and strength to the artists - a small but meaningful light throughout the journey. This recognition marks a new beginning for me. Through music, I will continue to tell stories of humanity, nature, and life. Hoping that art will remain a quiet yet profound language that connects us all. And I sincerely ask for your continued support and solidarity for my future creations. Thank you so much."
The Max Bruch International Music Competition is a global online contest welcoming musicians of all ages, instruments, and musical styles — from performance and voice to composition and chamber music. Open to participants worldwide with no age limits, the competition celebrates artistic achievement and musical expression across diverse genres. Winners receive international recognition, digital certificates, special awards, and valuable opportunities to build an online presence and support their ongoing musical development. Apply now and present your music on an international stage. 🏅️Find Out More: www.maxbruchcompetition.com