Hyein Choi Named Winner of University Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition
Congratulations to Hyein Choi, piano, DMA student of Alexander Braginsky, for winning the University Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition. Choi's winning entry was Shostakovich's Piano Concerto No. 2, and she will be the featured performer of the USO concert on February 7, 2024. Xinran Liu, clarinet, earned an honorable mention for Crusell's Clarinet Concerto No. 2, Op. 5.
The 2023-24 competition featured 19 School of Music students. It was adjudicated by Mark Mandarano (Artistic Director, Sinfonietta of Riverdale; Director of Instrumental Activities, Macalester College), Chad Hutchinson (Director of Orchestral Activities, Eastern Michigan University), and Maureen Nelson (Violin, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra). Special thanks to Sari Baker and the Ted Mann Concert Hall staff for their support in hosting the competition.
Bio
Hyein Choi, a native of South Korea, began her musical journey at the age of 4, kindling a passion for the piano that has since defined her career. She earned a Bachelor of Music from Yonsei University in South Korea and a Master of Music and Performance Diploma from Indiana University, where she studied with Emile Naoumoff and served as an Associate Instructor. Currently, Hyein is pursuing a DMA degree in Piano Performance at the University of Minnesota School of Music under the guidance of Professor Alexander Braginsky.
