The 2025 Isang Yun Cello Competition has crowned its champions, and the results are nothing short of inspiring—but here's where it gets controversial: can a single competition truly define the future of a young musician? Korean cellist Youbien Lee emerged as the undisputed star, clinching both the first prize and the prestigious UNESCO City of Music Special Prize. But is this just the beginning, or the pinnacle of her career? Let’s dive in.
The finals, held on November 8th in Tongyeong, South Korea, showcased the extraordinary talent of young cellists from around the world. Accompanied by the Tongyeong Festival Orchestra, the finalists performed concertos that left the audience in awe. Among them, Youbien Lee (b. 2000) stood out, securing the KRW30,000,000 (£15,600) first prize and an additional KRW2,000,000 (£1,000) for the UNESCO award. But what sets her apart? Is it her technical prowess, her emotional depth, or something more intangible?
Jeri Lee (b. 2009), another Korean prodigy, claimed the KRW20,000,000 (£10,400) second prize and the Seong-Yawng Park Special Prize. At just 15 years old, her achievement raises questions: are we witnessing the rise of a new generation of musical geniuses? Meanwhile, Canadian cellist Andrew Ilhoon Byun (b. 1998) took home the third prize and the Isang Yun Special Prize, both valued at KRW10,000,000 (£5,200). A-Hyeon Choi (b. 2006) rounded out the top four with KRW5,000,000 (£2,600).
Youbien Lee’s journey is as remarkable as her victory. Trained at the Korea National Institute for the Gifted in Arts under Kangho Lee, she later earned her bachelor’s degree from the Korea National University of Arts, studying with both Kangho Lee and Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi. In 2022, she began her master’s at the Hanns Eisler School of Music in Berlin with Troels Svane. Her resume also includes masterclasses with luminaries like Jens Peter Mainz and Wolfgang Emanuel Schmidt. But does formal training alone explain her success, or is there more to her story?
Her accolades don’t stop there. Lee has previously won first prizes at the 2021 David Popper International Cello Competition, the 2021 JoongAng National Music Competition, and the 2021 Sungjung National Music Competition. In 2024, she secured third prize at the Buchet International Cello Competition in Belgium. As a soloist, she’s performed with renowned orchestras like the Suwon Philharmonic and the KNUA Symphony Orchestra. But what’s next for this rising star? Will she continue to dominate the competition circuit, or will she forge a unique path in the classical music world?
This year’s jury, chaired by Arto Noras, included distinguished musicians such as Clive Greensmith, Louise Hopkins, Doo-Min Kim, Kangho Lee, Troels Svane, Andreas Vierziger, Jian Wang, and Hiroyasu Yamamoto. Their decision to award Youbien Lee top honors speaks volumes—but do you agree with their choice? Is she the cellist of tomorrow, or is there another talent waiting in the wings? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s spark a conversation about the future of classical music!
