South Korean piano prodigy Lim Yunchan, the youngest gold medalist in the history of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, will join his teacher Sohn Minsoo and mentor Byun Wha Kyung for a rare three-generation performance at Boston's Jordan Hall on September 26. The concert, featuring New England Conservatory alumni spanning decades of musical education, represents a unique showcase of the teacher-student lineage that has shaped some of the world's most celebrated pianists.
The one-hour performance is part of the New England Conservatory's new education campaign and will take place at the prestigious 1,051-seat Jordan Hall. The program will also feature Evren Ozel, bronze medalist of the 2025 Cliburn Competition and a current student of Byun. Music students in Boston, community leaders, NEC supporters, friends, faculty, and staff will be invited to attend the special event, though specific program details have not yet been released.
The artistic relationship between these musicians illustrates a profound musical lineage. Lim has frequently spoken about the transformative influence of his teacher Sohn Minsoo, with their artistic connection notably displayed in July when they performed together in a compelling four-hands performance. Sohn, in turn, has consistently credited his mentors Russell Sherman and Byun Wha Kyung with shaping his artistry since he first encountered them at the New England Conservatory at age 18.
"This performance is not just a concert; it is the living embodiment of how artistry is cultivated and passed forward from teacher to student to society," said Andrea Kalyn, President of New England Conservatory. "In one evening, audiences will experience the brilliance of world-renowned artists who were shaped by the profound impact of their NEC mentors."
The September 26 concert coincides with NEC's launch of a $150 million campaign designed to transform music education. When Sohn joined the NEC faculty in November 2022, his star student Lim followed him to Boston. The 21-year-old pianist is currently enrolled in the Institute for Concert Artists, a selective two-year program designed for musicians on the threshold of major performing careers. Launched in September 2024, the program enrolls just seven students, including Lim, pianist Evren Ozel, and Korean pianist Shin Chang-yong.
Byun Wha Kyung, a graduate of Seoul National University, is widely regarded as one of the most influential piano teachers in the world, with her students consistently winning top honors at international competitions. She began her master's degree program at NEC in 1972 and joined the faculty in 1979. "My teacher, Russell Sherman, taught me that music is a journey of self-discovery, where we explore with curiosity and stir the soul without ever losing our sense of wonder," Byun explained. "I have continued this quest through my own teaching, striving to pass on the mission of elevating the artistic spirit and contributing to humanity. I've learned even more from my students. To share this stage with three generations is an experience that leaves me truly elated."
The pedagogical influence extends even further through the musical family tree. Byun and Russell Sherman taught numerous students until Sherman's death on September 30, 2023. Among their notable students is Paik Hae-sun, a Korean pianist who currently serves as co-chair of NEC's piano department. At an August press conference, Paik emphasized that her mentors demonstrated how teaching extends far beyond the confines of a classroom.
The chain of musical mentorship continues with Kim Sae-hyun, a student of Paik who won this year's Long-Thibaud Competition, representing another vital link in this distinguished pedagogical lineage. When these accomplished musicians speak about their mentors, they consistently emphasize being shaped beyond mere technical proficiency, describing how their teachers opened pathways to deeper artistic and humanistic insights that continue to influence their performances and teaching today.
