Promising violinist Park Sue-ye emerges victorious at the thirteenth International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition
Korean Violinist Park Sue-ye Secures First Prize at International Sibelius Competition
Helsinki, Finland — South Korean violin prodigy, Park Sue-ye, emerged victorious at the XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition held at the Helsinki Music Center from May 19-29, 2025. [EPA/YONHAP]
Born in Daegu, South Korea, in 2000, Park started learning the violin at the tender age of four. By the time she was 16, she had made her professional debut with a recording of Niccolò Paganini's 24 Caprices. Recognized as a burgeoning star in the classical music world, Park clinched the first place in this prestigious quinquennial competition for violinists under 30.
Entering the final round, she captivated the audience with Oliver Knussen’s Violin Concerto, performed with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, and Jean Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, with the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra. As a result, she became only the second South Korean violinist to win this esteemed competition, following Yang In-mo who won in 2022.
For her achievement, Park was awarded a cash prize of €30,000 (roughly $34,000) and a one-year loan of a Giovanni Battista Guadagnini 1777 “ex Sasson” violin. Besides mentorship from jury chairman John Storgårds and violinist Pekka Kuusisto, she also garnered attention for her 2021 album "Journey Through a Century" which was selected as Editor’s Choice and among the Recordings of the Year by Gramophone magazine. Now, she plays a 1753 Guadagnini violin, sponsored by the Samsung Foundation of Culture.
The XIII International Jean Sibelius Violin Competition is a significant milestone in Park's flourishing career and promises a bright future for this talented violinist.
Park Sue-ye's win at the International Sibelius Competition marked a significant milestone in her burgeoning career, further establishing her as an international figure in the classical music world. As she continues to captivate audiences worldwide with her performances, she also showcases the rich diversity of Korean culture through her art, making a notable contribution to the global entertainment industry.
