Local violinist Yang In-mo, 20, has become the first Korean to ever win first place at the annual International Violin Competition Premio Paganini in Genoa, Italy.

The young Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation violinist not only took home the top prize at this year’s 54th International Violin Competition Premio Paganini, but was also awarded three secondary special awards including the “Prize in memory of Dr. Enrico Costa” for being the competition’s youngest finalist.
 

Yang will receive 25,600 euros ($27,600) in prize money and a yearlong contract with one of Europe’s leading management agencies Caecilia, and will also be invited to play alongside some of Europe’s most renowned orchestras across the continent throughout the 2015-2016 seasons.

The violinist first began playing at age 5 and made his recital debut at age 11 as part of the Kumho Prodigy Series, and has since competed in numerous international competitions. Last year, the up-and-coming musician took second place in the senior division of the Yehudi Menuhin International Competition for Young Violinists held in Austin, Texas.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)