Pianist Saehyun Kim ’19 Prep, ’24 NEC/Harvard Joins Warner Classics Ahead of Debut Album Release
Saehyun Kim ’19 Prep, ’24 NEC/Harvard has signed an exclusive recording agreement with Warner Classics, positioning him among an internationally recognized roster of artists that includes Beatrice Rana, Piotr Anderszewski, Fazıl Say, and Mariam Batsashvili. His debut album with the label is scheduled for release in September 2026.
The upcoming recording is structured around a Paris-inspired concept, reflecting the first European city in which Kim performed. The program blends works by Frédéric Chopin and Gabriel Fauré, including Chopin’s Études, Op. 25 and Nocturne No. 8, alongside Fauré’s Barcarolle No. 1, Valse-Caprice No. 1, and Impromptu No. 2. The album also incorporates Kim’s own arrangement of “Après un rêve,” originally from Fauré’s Trois Mélodies, and concludes with “En Avril à Paris” (1953) by Charles Trenet.
Born in South Korea in 2007, Kim began his early studies at the Seoul Arts Center Music Academy and the Yewon School. In 2021, he moved to Boston to continue his training at the Walnut Hill School for the Arts and the preparatory division of the NEC. He later entered the dual-degree program between Harvard University and the NEC, where he studies with Dang Thai Son and HaeSun Paik.
Kim’s growing reputation has been shaped by notable competition achievements. In 2025, he secured first prize at the Long-Thibaud International Competition, where the jury opted not to award a second prize. Additional distinctions include top honors at the Cleveland International Piano Competition for Young Artists and the Morningside Music Bridge International Concerto Competition. He has also been recognized as a Winner with Distinction in the 2024 YoungArts Awards and was the youngest finalist at the International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians.
His signing with Warner Classics reflects both recent accomplishments and increasing international attention, with the forthcoming album expected to mark the beginning of a significant recording career.
Congratulations Saehyun!
