Two young Korean pianists won prizes in an international music competition in Russia.

An Bong-su and Lee Jung-soo, both studying at the prestigious Moscow Conservatory, took first and second prizes in the piano section of the 15th International Maria Yudina Music Competition held in St. Petersburg from Jan. 3-10.

The grand prix went to Oleg Kopeliuk of Ukraine.

The annual contest started in 1999 to honor the late Russian pianist Maria Yudina (1899-1970). This year, 63 players participated in its piano and chamber ensemble competitions.

An and Lee, 23 and 24, respectively, both left Korea as teenagers to receive elite music education in Russia. They are currently being taught by the country’s renowned musicians Sergei Dorensky and Vladimir Tropp at the Moscow Conservatory.

The two pianists are among a new band of young Korean classical musicians who are bagging prizes at many international competitions and raising their profiles on a global stage.

The state-owned Moscow Conservatory is well known as a foundry of classical music stars, having produced great musicians such as Sergei Rachmaninoff. Korean pianist Lim Dong-hyek and violinist Kwun Hyuk-joo are among its graduates.

By Lee Sun-young (milaya@heraldcorp.com)