The 6th International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians to Be Held in Gyeonggi Province in June 2009

On October 9, 2008, Governor Kim Moon-soo hosted a signing ceremony to commit the Province to hosting the 6th International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians. The ceremony took place in a Briefing Room at the Gyeonggi Provincial Buildings, and was attended by Chairman Andrei Shervak of ATCS (Association of Tchaikovsky Competition Stars), Chairman Lee Gang-sook of the Korea Steering Committee, and committee members including Na Deok-seong, Kim Nam-yoon, and Min Gyeong-chan. The 6th International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians will be held in June of 2009.

Since it was established in Russia in 1992, the competition has served as the gateway to a successful career for young musicians under 17 around the world.
Through a demanding program, the Contest encourages participants to develop into professionals; provides an opportunity for talented young artists to display their skills in public; and offers a venue where young performers can be advised by renowned musicians and critics, and learn advanced techniques.

Since the 1st Contest was held in Moscow, the Contest has been held in major international cities including Sendai and Kurashiki (Japan), and Amoy (China). Renowned judges, who are past winners of the Tchaikovsky Contest, select rising music stars through a strict screening process. The Contest has been recognized as a significant international contest, and gains a great deal of attention and interest from the media and in music circles across the world.

With the exception of the 2nd competition, Korean artists have won awards at every International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians. Jennifer Koh won the 1st Prize in the violin category at the 1st Contest, and pianist Sohn Yeol-eum, violinist Kwon Hyeok-joo, and Cellist Koh In-bong launched their careers by winning awards at the Contest. The Contest provides a golden opportunity for young artists to gain the attention of the world and become rising stars.

Gyeonggi Province and the Korea Steering Committee will cooperate closely to ensure the success of the Contest, and provide administrative and financial support to enable young musicians around the globe to display their talents. Both parties also aim to use the Contest to promote the development of Gyeonggi Province and to improve the recognition of Korea as a cultural powerhouse.