William Youn

Pianist William Youn, praised as a ‘true poet of the piano’ is known for his emotional insight, subtlety, and clarity. With a repertoire spanning Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Chopin, Rachmaninov, and contemporary composers, he is a versatile artist celebrated for his performances worldwide. Youn has collaborated with renowned orchestras such as the Cleveland Orchestra, Munich Philharmonic, and Mariinsky Orchestra, performing in prestigious venues like Wigmore Hall, the Elbphilharmonie and Walt Disney Hall. He has worked with prominent conductors including Myung-Whun Chung, Hannu Lintu, and Thomas Hengelbrock, and has partnered with celebrated musicians like violist Nils Mönkemeyer and clarinetist Sabine Meyer.

A frequent guest at major international festivals, Youn regularly appears at events such as the Schubertiade, Menuhin Festival, and the Schwetzinger SWR Festspiele. In the 2024/25 season, he will be artist in residence at the Mozartfest Würzburg. His concerto performances include Schumann, Beethoven, and Mozart with esteemed orchestras, alongside collaborations with conductors Mario Venzago, Riccardo Minasi and Bernard Labadie. Youn has released numerous award-winning albums, including a complete recording of Schubert’s piano sonatas, hailed as a "recording of the century". His first orchestral recording, featuring works by Hahn and Nadia Boulanger, won a Diapason d’Or.

Born in Seoul, Youn studied at the New England Conservatory and Hanover University of Music and regularly teaches at the Wilhelm Kempff Cultural Foundation in Positano.