Sohn is particularly noted for his interpretation of Bach’s Goldberg Variations, and the New York Times praised his Honens label recording of the work as a “beautifully articulated, radiant interpretation,” placing it as one of the top classical recordings of 2011. His recordings also received critical acclaim from New Yorker Magazine, Plain Dealer, Gramophone, Calgary Herald, and Toronto Star among others.

In 2020, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of Beethoven’s birth, Mr. Sohn concluded his four-year immersion in the composer’s music, which included a concert series, recordings, and writings. Over the course of his Beethoven project, Mr. Sohn performed and recorded the composer’s thirty-two sonatas in a series of recitals at Seoul Arts Center and recording sessions at Tongyeong Concert Hall. The recital series also included Beethoven’s monumental Diabelli Variations and Bagatelles. Sony Classical released the highly anticipated nine-album set of “Complete Beethoven Piano Sonatas” in the Fall of 2020.

He held positions at Michigan State University and Korean National University of Arts before joining his alma mater, New England Conservatory, in the Fall of 2023.

He is indebted to Russell Sherman and Wha Kyung Byun for guiding him to follow his bliss. 

Photo by Shin-Joong Kim