WARSAW, Poland (AP) – Seong-Jin Cho of South Korea has won the career-paving 17th International Frederic Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, the head of the jury said Wednesday.
The second prize went to Charles Richard-Hamelin of Canada and the third prize winner was Kate Liu of the United States.
The first prize includes concerts in some of the world’s best-known halls, contracts for recordings, and a 30,000-euro ($33,600) award with a gold medal.
A 21-year-old native of Seoul, Cho said he wanted to take part in the renowned competition ever since he was 11 and listened to its 2005 edition.
“It became my dream to participate in the competition and I cannot believe this moment,” he told a news conference, speaking in English.