South Korean pianist wins Graduation Gala Concerto Competition

Pianist Tina (Inah) Kim was named the winner of The University of Auckland’s Graduation Gala Concerto Competition.

The annual, full-to-capacity event marked the close of Autumn Graduation Week 2011 and featured three young women – two South Korean pianists and a flautist from China – competing for the grand prize of $5,000. The finalists each performed a full concerto at the Auckland Town Hall, accompanied by The University of Auckland Symphony Orchestra and conducted by internationally acclaimed musician and School of Music Associate Professor Uwe Grodd.

South Korean-born Tina (Inah) Kim (Remuera resident) performed Piano Concerto No. 3 in C by Sergey Prokofiev. The 18-year-old began playing the piano at the age of five. She has been studying with Rae de Lisle for the past eight years and is now in her second year of a Bachelor of Music, majoring in performance. Over the years she has gained several prizes in district competitions; in 2008, she was selected as the youngest competitor to compete in the KeriKeri National Piano Competition. Tina was also part of the group that took first prize at the Auckland Secondary Schools’ National Chamber Music Competition in 2009. Last year she was a finalist in the Christchurch National Concerto Competition.

Chinese flautist Annie Hong (Newmarket resident) performed Flute Concerto by Carl Nielsen. Twenty-one-year-old South Korean pianist Somi Kim (Albany, North Shore resident) performed Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.

The judging panel comprised Head of the University’s School of Music, Professor Robert Constable (Chair); Professor Terence Dennis (Head of Classical Performance at the University of Otago); and Bridget Miles (Associate Principal Clarinet, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra). In bestowing the award, Professor Constable praised all three finalists for performing to a very high standard.

“Once again the Graduation Gala Concerto Competition was a splendid and celebratory occasion. All three soloists played very well and it was quite difficult for us to choose a winner. Our congratulations go to all three soloists, and, of course, our special congratulations to the winner, Tina Kim.”

Tina Kim says she was delighted and grateful to have had the opportunity to compete in the Graduation Gala.

“It was a great privilege to be able to perform at the Town Hall, and it was truly an amazing experience. Conductor Uwe Grodd and the orchestra were so supportive and helpful in the rehearsals. My huge thanks and gratitude go to my tutor, Rae de Lisle.”

Music Works once again generously sponsored this event.