Junhan Choi is a South Korean classical pianist who has gained international recognition for his exceptional talent and musicality. Born on May 5, 1993, in Seoul, South Korea, Choi showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of five. His parents, who were both music teachers, recognized his potential and encouraged him to pursue his passion for music. Choi's early musical education was under the guidance of his mother, who was a piano teacher. He quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument and began to excel in his studies. At the age of nine, he won his first piano competition, the Seoul Music Competition, which marked the beginning of his career as a pianist. In 2005, Choi moved to the United States to further his musical education. He enrolled at the Juilliard School's Pre-College Division in New York City, where he studied with renowned pianist Yoheved Kaplinsky. Under Kaplinsky's tutelage, Choi developed his technical skills and refined his musical interpretation. Choi's talent and hard work paid off when he won the prestigious Young Concert Artists International Auditions in 2015. This competition is known for discovering and launching the careers of some of the world's most talented young musicians. As a result of his win, Choi was awarded a management contract with Young Concert Artists, which has helped him to secure numerous performance opportunities around the world. Since winning the Young Concert Artists International Auditions, Choi has performed in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls, including Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and the Berlin Philharmonic. He has also collaborated with many renowned orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Seoul Philharmonic. One of Choi's most notable performances was his debut recital at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall in 2016. The program featured works by Beethoven, Schumann, and Chopin, and showcased Choi's technical prowess and musical sensitivity. The New York Times praised his performance, stating that "Mr. Choi's playing was marked by a combination of technical brilliance and interpretive depth that is rare in a musician of any age." Choi has also been recognized for his recordings. His debut album, released in 2018, features works by Schumann, Liszt, and Brahms. The album received critical acclaim and was named one of the best classical recordings of the year by The New York Times. In addition to his performing career, Choi is also a dedicated teacher. He has taught masterclasses at universities and conservatories around the world, including the Juilliard School, the Royal Academy of Music in London, and the Seoul National University. He is committed to sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of musicians. Choi's talent and hard work have been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In addition to winning the Young Concert Artists International Auditions, he has received the Arthur Rubinstein Prize, the Gina Bachauer Piano Competition Prize, and the Seoul Music Competition Grand Prize, among others. Despite his success, Choi remains humble and focused on his craft. He continues to practice for hours each day, striving to improve his technique and musicality.

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