The CEO of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition will visit Seoul this week to participate in a major forum focused on advancing the careers of young classical musicians. Jacques Marquis will join industry leaders from around the world at the "Beyond the Stage 2025: Next-Generation Artist Forum," a two-day event organized by Arts Council Korea that aims to connect aspiring Korean artists with international opportunities.
The Van Cliburn International Piano Competition has become a household name in Korea following the spectacular success of pianist Yunchan Lim, who won the prestigious competition in 2022. Named after American pianist Van Cliburn (1934-2013), the competition was established in 1962 and is widely recognized as one of the world's most important piano competitions. Lim's victory and his rapid rise to international stardom have brought the competition into the spotlight, making it familiar even to those who don't typically follow classical music.
During his Seoul visit on Friday and Saturday, Marquis will deliver presentations on two critical topics facing today's classical musicians. He will speak about marketing strategies for classical musicians in 2025 and discuss how recording labels and livestreaming are transforming the music industry. These sessions are designed to provide practical insights for young musicians hoping to follow in Lim's footsteps and build successful international careers.
Arts Council Korea, the government organization behind the forum, operates under the motto "Arts for All" and has a clear mission for this event. "Our goal is to create an environment where young Korean musicians can reach global stages and build careers in the international music industry," the organization stated. This objective reflects Korea's growing ambition to establish itself as a major force in the classical music world.
Marquis will be joined by 15 other high-profile figures from the international classical music scene, creating an unprecedented gathering of industry expertise in Seoul. The impressive lineup includes Peter Paul Kainrath, president of the World Federation of International Music Competitions; Arthur van der Drift from the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra; and Michael Haefliger of the renowned Lucerne Festival. Other notable participants include Kim Jin-young, the Berlin Philharmonic's Korean project manager; Glen Kwok from the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis; Didier Schnorhk of the Concours de Geneve; Ann-Paulin Steigerwald from the Vienna Konzerthaus; and Sisi Ye of the Schoenfeld International String Competition.
The timing of this forum coincides with a remarkable period of success for Korean musicians on the international stage. While Yunchan Lim remains the most visible success story, he represents part of a broader wave of Korean talent making its mark globally. Pianist Seong-jin Cho continues to mesmerize audiences worldwide, demonstrating the sustained excellence of Korean classical musicians.
The success extends to an even younger generation of Korean artists who are already achieving remarkable milestones. In October, 15-year-old violinist Kim Hyun-seo made history by winning third prize at the Premio Paganini International Violin Competition in Italy, becoming the youngest winner in the competition's history. Earlier in 2025, 18-year-old pianist Kim Sae-hyun captured top honors at the prestigious Long-Thibaud-Crespin Competition in Paris, further cementing Korea's reputation as a breeding ground for exceptional musical talent.
The forum represents more than just a series of presentations; it symbolizes Korea's commitment to nurturing its classical music talent and providing them with the tools and connections needed for international success. By bringing together industry leaders, competition organizers, and festival directors, the event creates opportunities for networking and mentorship that could prove invaluable for emerging artists.
The event is open to the public, reflecting Arts Council Korea's commitment to accessibility and education. Those interested in attending can find detailed information and complete their registration by visiting www.arko.or.kr. This open-door policy ensures that not only professional musicians but also music students, enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the classical music industry can benefit from the expertise being shared.
