Third Radda Rise International Piano Competition
“The performers should help the audience to engage and enjoy classical music while also connecting the composer's intent with the audience. My fascination with combining historical context and musical imagination of classical works manifests my belief that performers must inspire the audience’s hearts." - Hyeongji Choi
South Korean pianist, entrepreneur, and educator Hyeongji Choi is known for her artistic passion and dynamic performances. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Piano Performance with a teaching assistantship under the instruction of Dr. Baruch Meir at Arizona State University (ASU) where she also earned her Master’s degree in 2021. At ASU, Ms. Choi has received numerous merit-based scholarships including the School of Music Special Talent Awards and the James Ruccolo Piano Scholarship. She received her Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance and Musicology from Seoul National University under the tutelage of Aviram Reichert.
Ms. Choi has showcased her captivating playing in many solo recitals and collaborative performances at prestigious venues throughout the world, including the Barness Recital Hall at the University of South Florida, Lewis House at Eckerd College, Evans Auditorium, Tempe Center for the Arts, Mirabella at ASU, Katzin Concert Hall, E. Mravinsky Music School Concert Hall in Saint Petersburg, Russia, U-Square Kumho Art Hall, and Sammo Art Center in Seoul, South Korea. Additionally, she was selected to participate in music festivals around the globe, including Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival, White Nights International Piano Festival, and Tel-Hai International Piano Master Classes..
Ms. Choi’s talents have been further recognized in multiple competitions. She was the 1st prize winner for two consecutive years of the 2021 and 2022 Arizona State Music Teachers National Association Competition as well as the winner of the MTNA Southwest Region “Young Artist Performance” Competition in 2022. She was also awarded 5th place in the 2021 Conero International Piano Festival & Competition, 3rd prize in the 2018 Music Education Newspaper Competition (South Korea), and 3rd prize in the 2016 Korea New Artist Music Competition.
As a dedicated teacher, Ms. Choi takes great pride in providing interactive and stimulating piano lessons, helping her students to discover their musical potential. She also recognizes the importance of making classical music accessible to diverse audiences and has used her entrepreneurial skills to create more engaging classical concerts for non-musicians. In addition to her Doctorate, Ms. Choi is also completing her certificate of Entrepreneurship at ASU.