Benjamin Kim
Encyclopedia
Benjamin Kim is a American pianist
Pianist
A pianist is a musician who plays the piano. A professional pianist can perform solo pieces, play with an ensemble or orchestra, or accompany one or more singers, solo instrumentalists, or other performers.-Choice of genres:...

, who won the 55th ARD International Music Competition
ARD International Music Competition
The ARD International Music Competition is the largest international classical music competition in Germany. It is held once a year in Munich.-History:...

 in Munich, September 2006 (First prize).


Kim started studying the piano at age five with the famed Oregonian piano teacher, Dorothy Fahlman. At the age of eight, he performed his first public solo recital and his orchestral debut at twelve.
He has featured on National Public Radio's classical music show From the Top
From the Top
From the Top is a national program and initiative to develop and showcase young classical musicians. It is best known for its NPR radio and PBS television programs hosted by pianist Christopher O'Riley, which celebrate the passion, dedication and personal stories of America's best young classical...

. In 2004, he finished an accelerated Bachelor of Music degree program at the Peabody Conservatory as a student of Leon Fleisher
Leon Fleisher
Leon Fleisher is an American pianist and conductor.-Early life and studies:Fleisher was born in San Francisco, where he started studying the piano at age four...

. He has been continuing his studies at Peabody with Leon Fleisher
Leon Fleisher
Leon Fleisher is an American pianist and conductor.-Early life and studies:Fleisher was born in San Francisco, where he started studying the piano at age four...

 with pianist and teacher Yong Hi Moon as a candidate for the Artist Diploma program which is the school's highest distinction. Also, he is currently attending the Universität der Künste Berlin (UDK Berlin) and selectes to attend International Piano Academy Lake Como
International Piano Academy Lake Como
The International Piano Academy Lake Como is a music school. Seven pianists, chosen annually from a worldwide field of 400 applicants including many international prizewinners, have the opportunity of studying with a faculty whose core membership past and present includes such stellar artists as...

 in Italy.

Awards

In September 2006, Kim won First Prize in the 55th ARD International Music Competition
ARD International Music Competition
The ARD International Music Competition is the largest international classical music competition in Germany. It is held once a year in Munich.-History:...

 in Munich.
He has garnered top prizes in numerous competitions, including the Grand Prize in the 2000 World Piano Competition Young Artist Division and most recently, First Place in the 2004 Yale Gordon Piano Competition at the Peabody Conservatory. Furthermore, he has won the highest prizes in the Mary Graham Lasley Competition in Virginia, the Jefferson Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition in Colorado
Colorado
Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...

, the Philharmonic Society of Arlington Young Artist Competition in Massachusetts, and the MTNA National Baldwin Piano Competition.

Comments on Kim

  • Even legendary teacher and mentor Leon Fleisher
    Leon Fleisher
    Leon Fleisher is an American pianist and conductor.-Early life and studies:Fleisher was born in San Francisco, where he started studying the piano at age four...

     exalted Kim for his "enormous potential for a first-class career."
  • After his performance of Brahms's Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor in Baltimore
    Baltimore
    Baltimore is the largest independent city in the United States and the largest city and cultural center of the US state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore...

     USA, the Baltimore Sun reported, "Sparks were flying from the keyboard" with "power, precision, and feeling for the daunting score."

Recordings

Works for solo piano by Chopin, Mozart and Debussy

Chopin:
  • Sonata No.2 in B-flat minor, Op.35 "Funeral march" I. Grave
  • Sonata No.2 in B-flat minor, Op.35 "Funeral march" II. Scherzo
  • Sonata No.2 in B-flat minor, Op.35 "Funeral march" III. Marche funebre:Lento
  • Sonata No.2 in B-flat minor, Op.35 "Funeral march" IV. Finale:Presto

Mozart:
  • Sonata in E-flat Major, K.282(189g) I. Adagio
  • Sonata in E-flat Major, K.282(189g) II. Menuetto I&II
  • Sonata in E-flat Major, K.282(189g) III. Allegro
  • Sonata No. 2 in F Major, K.280(189e) I. Allegro assai
  • Sonata No. 2 in F Major, K.280(189e) II. Adagio
  • Sonata No. 2 in F Major, K.280(189e) III. Presto

Debussy:
  • Suite Bergamasque "Prelude"
  • Suite Bergamasque "Menuet"
  • Suite Bergamasque "Clair de Lune"
  • Suite Bergamasque "Passepied"

SONY USA, SONY BMG Korea, Sony Music Japan International Inc.(SONY CLASSICAL).

External links

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