Radiating from the vibrant soul of Seoul, Korea, Jiwon Han isn’t just an accomplished violinist; she’s a musical storyteller weaving narratives of solace and resilience with every bow stroke. Her performances stand as a comforting antidote to the relentless cadence of modern life, providing a sanctuary where listeners can breathe easy amidst melodious tranquility.
Invited by the Ukrainian Symphony Orchestra, Jiwon made her debut at the young age of 11. Following numerous victories in Korean competitions, she ventured to Germany, eager to enrich her musical perspective. While studying at the State University of Music and Performing Arts Stuttgart, Jiwon achieved top honors at the 16th Don Vincenzo Vitti International Competition and the Grand Prize Virtuoso Competition. She had the privilege of performing at Italy’s Parco della Musica (Teatro Studio), and participated in the esteemed Aigues-Vives en Musiques Festival in France and the Aspen Music Festival in the U.S., courtesy of a full scholarship. She further broadened her skills in the master class of renowned Van Cliburn Competition judge and pianist Anton Nel.
Jiwon’s accomplishments include performing at the Aspen Music Festival’s String Showcase on the recommendation of Professor David Halen, serving as the assistant concertmaster of the Peabody Philharmonic Orchestra, and participating as a guest performer in the Korean National Opera’s presentation of “1945” with the Korean Symphony Orchestra. These experiences allowed her to appreciate the unique allure of orchestral performance.
Jiwon’s academic achievements include graduating from Seoul Arts High School, one of Korea’s premier institutions. She earned her bachelor’s degree in music from the Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Stuttgart in Germany with a perfect score, and as a scholarship student at the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, she completed her master’s degree in music under the guidance of Professor Judith Ingolfson. Jiwon performed as a substitute violinist for the New World Symphony Orchestra during the 2022-2023 season, and she has upcoming performances in Korea during the coming winter. Additionally, she is preparing to publish a book in the second half of 2024.
You can find Ji Won’s 2023 19th Century Music Competition violin performance here.