Great Neck Student Wins Scholarship in International Music Competition

The prestigious Philadelphia International Music Festival awarded over $50,000 in scholarships and performance opportunities this past year to young musicians who took top spots in PIMF’s Concerto Competitions, online and at its summer festivals.

Hugh Choi,17, of Great Neck, NY won First place in the Age 16-19 Division and was awarded a scholarship valued at $750 to PIMF’s intensive classical music training program featuring members of The Philadelphia Orchestra. He’s also invited to take part in the PIMF Winners Circle concert next summer with Philadelphia Orchestra players. Finn impressed the judges with the virtuosic Carmen Fantaisie by François Borne.

“The Carmen Fantasy is one of the staple showpieces of the flute repertoire,” Hugh explained. “I love how the piece captures the dramatic, operatic essence of the original work, truly allowing the performer to be free as their own soloist. I hope that listeners are able to feel these dramatic emotions on top of the themes from the opera in the piece, even through the layers of variation Borne adds to them. I chose this piece because it fits my playing style and characteristics I enjoy.”

A gifted musician, Hugh plays in Juilliard’s Pre-College Orchestra and studies there with Bart Feller, and often shares his gifts at home and in his community.

“I grew up in a household of music,” Hugh said. “Fondly, I remember my mother and father as they sang in harmony with each other—Korean folk songs, American country or rock, with my father strumming chords on his guitar, or joining with his harmonica. But neither were classically trained musicians—until very recently, neither of my parents could read music on a staff! But that didn’t stop them from doing what they loved.

“Since starting to play the flute at age 8, I would say that I have adopted a similar mindset. Music has such a powerful connective and regenerative force, both for the performers and audience members. Playing both in solo recitals and with my parents, alongside my mother’s church choir or with my father’s rock band, has illustrated these qualities of music to me. There is so much joy to be found in music.”

Musicians in three age groups from 6 to 19 years of age from all over the world submit videos for PIMF's virtual competitions outside the in-person summer festival. PIMF’s Fall 2024 Virtual Concerto Competition is accepting submissions through December 31, 2024.

Young musicians interested in working with principal players and other members of the world-famous Philadelphia Orchestra can find a summer music home at The Philadelphia International Music Camp and Festival this year. Chat online for additional information at PIMF.org or phone: 856.875.6816.

ABOUT The Philadelphia International Music Festival:

The Philadelphia International Music Festival (PIMF) is a resident summer music program directed by Kimberly Fisher, Principal Second Violin of The Philadelphia Orchestra, offering student musicians from around the world the unique opportunity of spending up to four weeks immersed in music education and performance training with members of the world-renowned Philadelphia Orchestra.

PIMF offers summer camp programs both online AND live on Philadelphia’s prestigious Main Line. Since March 2020, PIMF’s online platform has expanded its training programs year-round with Master Classes taught by principal players and other members of The Philadelphia Orchestra.