▲ Pianist Lim Yunchan is seen in this photo provided by Moc Production. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

pianist-German prize

Lim Yunchan wins Instrumentalist of the Year at Germany's top classical awards

SEOUL, June 23 (Yonhap) -- South Korean pianist Lim Yunchan has been named Instrumentalist of the Year at Opus Klassik 2026, Germany's most prestigious awards for classical music.

The non-profit German Association for the Promotion of Classical Music announced on its website Monday (local time) that Lim received the honor for his album "J.S. Bach: Goldberg Variations," released in February.

He was selected from around 680 recordings and projects submitted for this year's awards.

German violinist Christian Tetzlaff and horn player Sarah Willis were also named recipients in the same category.

Lim's win marks the second consecutive year a South Korean pianist has claimed the title, following Cho Seong-jin's victory last year for his recording of "Ravel: The Complete Solo Piano Works."

It adds to a string of international accolades Lim has garnered in recent year. In 2024, he became the first Korean pianist to win a piano category award at the Gramophone Awards with his debut studio album "Chopin: Etudes." Last year, he took home three prizes at the BBC Music Magazine Awards last year, including Recording of the Year.

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