Andrew Byun ’25 GD Wins Third Prize and Special Award at the Isang Yun Cello Competition
Andrew Ilhoon Byun ’25 GD earned Third Prize and the Isang Yun Special Prize at the Isang Yun Cello Competition in Tongyeong, South Korea. The competition, which concluded on November 8, featured top young cellists from around the world performing concerto works with the Tongyeong Festival Orchestra.
Byun, a Canadian cellist, received KRW10,000,000 (£5,200) for each of his awards, recognizing both his artistry and his interpretation of works by the late Korean composer Isang Yun.
The international jury, chaired by Arto Noras, included distinguished artists such as Clive Greensmith, Louise Hopkins, Doo-Min Kim, Troels Svane, Andreas Vierziger, Jian Wang, Hiroyasu Yamamoto, and NEC alumnus Kangho Lee ’05 DMA.
The competition’s top honors went to Youbien Lee (b. 2000) of South Korea, who claimed the First Prize and the UNESCO City of Music Special Prize, followed by Jeri Lee (b. 2009), who earned Second Prize and the Seong-Yawng Park Special Prize.
Byun is currently pursuing his Graduate Diploma at the New England Conservatory, continuing a tradition of NEC musicians excelling on the world stage.
