Minsoo Sohn is a Korean-American pianist known for his musical intelligence and masterful virtuosity. Described by The New York Times as “a genuine artist, with a thoughtful and poetic interpretation” and the Boston Globe as “born to play the piano,” Sohn continues to expand his reputation as one of the foremost pianists of his day. Sohn has toured extensively throughout North and South America, Europe, Israel and Korea, and has appeared in important venues and festivals.
Sohn is particularly noted for his interpretation of Bach’s Goldberg Variations, and The New York Times praised his Honens-label recording of the work as a “beautifully articulated, radiant interpretation,” placing it one of the top classical recordings of 2011. His recordings also received critical acclaim by The New Yorker, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Gramophone, Calgary Herald, and Toronto Star, among others.
In 2020, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth, Mr. Sohn concluded his four-year immersion in the composer’s music, which has included concert series, recordings and writings. Over the course of his Beethoven project, Mr. Sohn performed and recorded the composer’s thirty-two sonatas in series of recitals at Seoul Arts Center and recording sessions at Tongyeong Concert Hall. The recital series also included Beethoven’s monumental Diabelli Variations and Bagatelles. Sony Classical released the highly anticipated nine-album set of “Complete Beethoven Piano Sonatas” in the Fall of 2020.
He held positions at Michigan State University and Korean National University of Arts before joining his alma mater, New England Conservatory, in Fall 2023.
Minsoo Sohn is indebted to Russell Sherman and Wha Kyung Byun for guiding him to follow his bliss.
The CMIM thanks the members of the Jury’s circle who contribute to making it possible for the international jury to come to Montreal: Guy Breton, Colabor, Huguette and Jean-Louis Fontaine Foundation, Marie-Carole Pinard, and Marc Vanasse.
The Piano 2024 jury is housed at the Ritz-Carlton – Montréal
