Description / Biography

Pianist Yoahn John Kwon, a native of South Korea, is widely acclaimed for his profound musicianship, sensitivity, and insightful performances. Renowned critic Harris Goldsmith has described him as a “versatile and interesting musician who keeps audiences’ attention from beginning to end.”

Mr. Kwon began his piano studies at the age of nine and attended the Pre-College Division of The Juilliard School. After graduating from LaGuardia High School of Music and Arts, he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Mannes College of Music, where he studied piano with Diane Walsh and theory and analysis with Carl Schachter, with generous support from the Jerry Seinfeld Family Foundation.

Additionally, Mr. Kwon completed the Stages de Perfectionnement at L’École Normale de Musique de Paris, where he studied with Anne Queffelec for four consecutive years. During his formative years, he studied under pianist Jacob Krichaf, a disciple of Claudio Arrau in New York, and later received mentorship from Anton Kuerti, Jacques Rouvier, and John O’Conor.

With his unique touch and detailed musical analysis, Mr. Kwon’s interpretations have garnered praise during concerts, recitals, concerto appearances, and chamber music performances. He has collaborated with members of the New York Philharmonic, the Metropolitan Opera, the Chicago Symphony, and the London Philharmonic Orchestra in renowned concert halls worldwide.

As a prolific recording artist, Mr. Kwon has released numerous CDs on labels including Audioguy, Naxos, WFMT Chicago, and Sony Classical. His recordings of essential works by Chopin and the complete works of Beethoven for piano and violin have received critical acclaim.

In addition to his concert career, Mr. Kwon is in high demand as a teacher, with prospective students from South Korea eager to benefit from his guidance. His recent private students have gained acceptance into prestigious conservatories and universities worldwide, including the Manhattan School of Music, Mannes College of Music, Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University, Indiana University in Bloomington, Oberlin College, Cleveland Institute of Music, Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester, Northwestern University, USC’s Thornton School of Music, L’École Normale de Musique de Paris, HMDK Stuttgart, and Hochschule für Musik Hanns Eisler Berlin.

Currently residing in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, Mr. Kwon is a recent graduate of the Renner Academy and works as a concert piano technician, action rebuilder, church organist, harpsichordist, chamber music coach, arranger, program coordinator, and choir and orchestra director.