South Korean baritone Kim Tae-han (C) wins the Queen Elisabeth Competition for voice during an awards ceremony in Brussels, Belgium, on June 4, 2023, in this captured video image. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, June 4 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korean baritone Kim Tae-han has won the Queen Elisabeth Competition for voice, becoming the first Asian male singer to win the coveted classical music contest in Belgium.
Kim was named the first prize winner during an awards ceremony in Brussels on Saturday (local time), which was broadcast live online.
The 22-year-old is the third South Korean singer to clinch the top prize, following sopranos Hong Hae-ran in 2011 and Hwang Sumi in 2014.
Kim, the youngest among the 12 finalists, said he was “absorbed in music” while preparing for the competition.
“As I attend competitions to enjoy the stage, I was under no pressure and happily sang,” Kim told reporters after the ceremony. “I want to be a superstar. My dream is to be an opera singer who travels across the world to sing.”
Kim, who currently studies at Seoul National University, has won several awards at international competitions, including the Neue Stimmen international singing competition, the Concorso Internazionale Riccardo Zandonai and the Concurso Tenor Vinas last year.
During the finals, Kim sang five songs, including “O, du mein holder Abendstern,” an aria of Richard Wagner’s opera “Tannhauser.”
Established in 1937, the competition named after the late Belgian queen is one of the three most prestigious contests for classical musicians, along with the International Chopin Piano Competition and the International Tchaikovsky Competition.
The voice section was added in 1988.
Violinists, pianists, singers and cellists compete in a four-year cycle, and this year was the voice competition.
(Yonhap)
I was thrilled to come across your article about Baritone Kim Tae-Han, who became the first Asian male singer to win the Queen Elisabeth Competition. It’s truly remarkable to see such a significant milestone achieved by a talented artist from Asia.
Kim Tae-Han’s victory at the Queen Elisabeth Competition is a testament to his exceptional talent, dedication, and hard work. This achievement not only highlights his individual success but also represents a significant milestone for Asian representation in the classical music world.
I appreciate the recognition of Kim Tae-Han’s remarkable vocal abilities and the impact of his win on the global classical music scene. His triumph showcases the talent and artistry that exists in Asia and emphasizes the importance of fostering diverse voices and perspectives in the world of classical music.
Furthermore, I want to commend Korea Bizwire for sharing this inspiring story and highlighting Kim Tae-Han’s achievement. Your article serves as a source of pride and inspiration for aspiring musicians, particularly those from Asian backgrounds, who can see Kim Tae-Han’s win as a beacon of hope and encouragement.
I want to express my gratitude to Korea Bizwire for celebrating the accomplishments of Kim Tae-Han and shedding light on the significance of his win at the Queen Elisabeth Competition. Your coverage helps bring attention to the exceptional talent that exists in Asia and reinforces the importance of inclusivity and diversity in the classical music industry.
Congratulations to Baritone Kim Tae-Han on his historic win at the Queen Elisabeth Competition. May his success continue to inspire and open doors for aspiring classical musicians from all backgrounds.
Thank you for your commitment to promoting and recognizing the achievements of talented artists like Kim Tae-Han.