Maria Yoonji Park

Classical Pianist

As a pianist, I find immense joy in connecting with audiences and evoking emotions through my music. My performances aim to create unforgettable experiences that resonate with listeners of all ages. In addition to performing, I am dedicated to sharing my knowledge and enthusiasm for music through teaching, inspiring the next generation of musicians.

AboutAbout

Korean-born pianist Yoonji Park has recently garnered international acclaim, distinguishing herself as a top prizewinner in numerous prestigious competitions. She was awarded First Prize at the International Music Competition "Grand Prize Virtuoso", which led to an invitation to perform at the iconic Opéra Bastille in Paris, where she made a successful debut as a competition winner. Notably, she was uniquely selected among the winners for a return engagement, receiving an exclusive invitation to present a solo recital in Barcelona in the following season. Her profound affinity for Baroque music was recognized at the Bach International Music Competition, where she achieved the Absolute First Prize and the Best Bach Performance Special Award. Additionally, she claimed First Prize at the San Francisco International Young Artist Music Competition, resulting in an invited performance at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Her competitive success continues with accolades from the American Classical Music Awards (Silver Prize), the International Clavierland Mozart Classical Music Competition (Second Prize), the Salzburg International Music Competition, the London Classical Music Competition, the International Mozart Competition Vienna, and the Clara Schumann International Competition.

Praised as an "exceptionally talented pianist with a natural gift for music" by the revered pianist and musicologist Paul Badura-Skoda, Yoonji has cultivated her artistry under the tutelage of renowned pedagogues Zenon Fishbein, Alexandre Moutouzkine, and Mykola Suk. A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music (BM, MM), she pursued doctoral studies at the University of Maryland and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) under the guidance of Mykola Suk.

Yoonji's captivating performances have taken her across North America, Asia, and Europe, gracing stages in Italy, France, Germany, and Portugal. Her passion for chamber music has led to engaging recitals at Greenfield Hall, Pforzheimer Hall, and David A. Rahm Hall. Beyond the modern piano, she possesses a deep appreciation for early music, evident in her performances of Handel's Acis and Galatea and Bach's Coffee Cantata on the harpsichord with Maestro Kenneth Cooper. Her commitment to artistic growth is demonstrated by her participation in esteemed music festivals such as IKIF (New York), Forum Musicae (Madrid), Euro Music Festival (Halle), Music Alp Festival (Tignes), and SIPO (Óbidos). She has worked with distinguished figures in masterclasses, including Paul Badura-Skoda, Boris Berman, Boris Slutsky, Victor Rosenbaum, Andrea Bonatta, and Jeffrey Swann. Dedicated to music education, Yoonji is recognized as a Steinway & Sons Teacher and Educational Partner. She was included in the Manhattan School of Music's qualified private teacher directory. She was also invited to serve as an adjudicator for the piano division of the Silver State Competition, presented by the Nevada Music Teachers Association (NMTA). She currently serves as a faculty member at UNLV.

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