Kyung Wha Chung is a South Korean violinist whose prodigious talent and deep, emotional intensity have placed her among the foremost musicians of our time. Born on March 26, 1948, in Seoul, South Korea, Chung's remarkable journey began at the tender age of three, rapidly advancing to perform with major orchestras by the age of nine. She moved to the United States to further her studies, where she attended the Juilliard School, honing her skills under the tutelage of the legendary Ivan Galamian and later, Joseph Szigeti.

Chung's international breakthrough came in 1967 when she won the Leventritt Competition, catapulting her into the spotlight and paving the way for a career that has spanned over five decades. Throughout her illustrious career, she has been celebrated for her passionate interpretations, technical precision, and profound understanding of a wide repertoire ranging from Bach to contemporary composers. Her discography is extensive, with recordings that have become benchmarks for violin performance. Albums like "Kyung Wha Chung Plays Bach" and "Beau Soir - Violin Works by Fauré, Franck & Debussy" showcase her versatile mastery and unique ability to reveal new dimensions in well-known compositions. Chung is not only a soloist of the highest caliber but also a dedicated chamber musician, often performing in collaboration with world-class artists and ensembles.

After battling a finger injury that momentarily halted her playing career, Chung made a triumphant return to the concert stage, continuing to inspire audiences with her resilience and undiminished virtuosity. Beyond her performances and recordings, she is committed to nurturing the next generation of musicians, imparting her knowledge and experience to students in masterclasses around the globe. Kyung Wha Chung's legacy is that of a trailblazer who broke cultural and artistic boundaries, earning her a venerable status in the annals of classical music performance.

Genres

Korean Classical Performance

Violin

Related Artists

Itzhak Perlman

Joshua Bell

Anne-Sophie Mutter

Hilary Hahn

Nicola Benedetti

Sarah Chang

Pinchas Zukerman

Leonidas Kavakos

Janine Jansen

Yo-Yo Ma

Nigel Kennedy

Yehudi Menuhin

Latest Release

Introduction & Rondo Capriccioso, Op. 28 (Live On The Ed Sullivan Show, April 28, 1968)

Camille Saint-Saëns•

Kyung Wha Chung

Single - Released February 6, 2022