RNCM Duo Shines at Dranoff Competition

RNCM pianists Yoon-Jee Kim and Jackie Jaekyung Yoo achieved great success at the 2013 Dranoff International Two Piano Competition, winning $15,000, the Silver Medal and performance opportunities.  

Yoon-Jee, who is studying for an MMus in Conducting, and Jackie, who is on the RNCM’s prestigious International Artist Diploma course, performed three recital rounds during an intense week before making an appearance alongside the Dranoff Competition Orchestra and conductor Sarah Hicks at the University of Miami’s Gusman Concert Hall.

Speaking on behalf of the duo, Yoon-Jee said: ‘It was an intense week. We played three recital rounds back-to-back and then a final round with the orchestra. For the final we performed one of two concertos we were asked to prepare, which was Babin’s relatively unknown Concerto No 2. We were incredibly happy and relieved that our final round performance was received with enormous enthusiasm from the crowd. It was one of the most memorable moments for us.’

Graham Scott, Head of School of Keyboard at the RNCM, added: ‘I am delighted at Jaekyung's and Yoon-Jee's outstanding success in the recent Murray Dranoff Piano Duo Competition in Miami.  The Dranoff competition has firmly established itself as one of the world's leading duo competitions and this further endorses Jaekyung's and Yoon-Jee's reputation as an exciting duo to watch out for in the future.’ 

The Dranoff International 2 Piano Competition cycle spans 18 months and features top scholars and performers who judge hundreds of young artists all competing for cash and performance awards. The duos are required to prepare four hours of repertoire for four rounds of competition.

21 May 2013