Haewon Kim, a 17-year-old violinist from Palmerston North Girls’ High School, has returned from a memorable trip to New York City, where she performed in a recital at the world-renowned Carnegie Hall. The performance was part of the American Virtuoso International Music Competition, a prestigious event that brings together talented musicians from around the globe.
Kim had initially planned to attend the competition with her schoolmates, Isabella Li and Angela Fang. The trio, who form the band Greek Yoghurt, entered and won the opportunity to perform. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, her fellow band members were unable to join her, and Kim traveled with her family instead.
The competition welcomed a wide range of musicians, including singers and instrumentalists playing piano, strings, woodwind, brass, and guitar, as well as chamber ensembles. Participants hailed from various countries.
Kim described the experience as rewarding, noting the opportunity to meet new people and visit three prestigious U.S. universities—Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. One of the highlights of the trip was working with acclaimed pianist Sergey Lorov during rehearsals before her performance.
“I’ve worked with brilliant accompanists in Palmerston North and New Zealand, but there’s something about working with a true professional accompanist that really brings the life out of the music,” Kim shared.
The experience of meeting other musicians before the sound check and finally performing was “surreal” for Kim. She chose to perform the second movement of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, and while she admitted to feeling nervous, the performance went smoothly and she felt it was her best rendition of the piece yet.
After her performance, Kim had the chance to sit in the audience and enjoy the diverse performances by other musicians from around the world.
Looking ahead, Kim is preparing for an upcoming performance with the New Zealand Secondary Schools Symphony Orchestra in Christchurch this April, where she has been named concertmaster for the second consecutive year. She is also set to audition for the National Youth Orchestra, which would mark her fourth year of participation if selected.
After completing her schooling, Kim is considering a future in either medicine or astrophysics.
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