The future of music, made here.

Yunchan Lim ’24 UC Makes Triumphant Boston Symphony Orchestra and Carnegie Hall Debuts

February 22, 2024

Yunchan Lim Performing

Photo credit: Hilary Scott

Pianist Yunchan Lim ’24 UC made his spectacular Boston Symphony Orchestra debut at Symphony Hall from February 15-18 with guest conductor Tugan Sokhiev, performing Rachmaninoff’s Concerto No. 3 to multiple standing ovations. This is the same piece Lim performed to a stunned audience during the final round of 2022’s Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, securing his place as the youngest person ever to win gold at the competition.

In its review, The Boston Globe described Lim as “the very definition of a rising star,” praising his “superb debut performance with the BSO.”

Lim was joined backstage by NEC President Andrea Kalyn and BSO President and CEO Chad Smith ’95 NEC/Tufts, ’98 MM on the first evening of his BSO debut, photographed right.

Lim, who is South Korean, enrolled at NEC in the fall of 2023 to continue his studies with his beloved long-time teacher, NEC faculty member and alumnus Minsoo Sohn ‘99, ‘01 GD, ‘04 AD.

“I see Yunchan as not merely a pianist who can sing with conviction, but as an alert, responsive musician who knows how to listen, blend, and accompany,” said Sohn.

On February 21, Lim’s awe-striking performances continued as he made another mesmerizing debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

“This was virtuosity as life force,” reads The New York Times’ review of his performance of Chopin’s 27 études, citing the encore Lim received as a “rare occurrence” in the iconic venue.

Photo credit: Hilary Scott

Yunchan Lim with Andrea Kayln and Chad Smith
recent news
Songwriter and Harpist Elias Shane ’26 MM, On His Art and (Many) Influences

March 16, 2026

Songwriter and Harpist Elias Shane ’26 MM, On His Art and (Many) Influences

Read More
NEC Prep’s CHIPS Collaborates with Music for Food

March 16, 2026

NEC Prep’s CHIPS Collaborates with Music for Food

Read More
Through Music, NEC student Arson Fahim ’26 Makes Statement of Defiance, Resilience, and Hope

March 9, 2026

Through Music, NEC student Arson Fahim ’26 Makes Statement of Defiance, Resilience, and Hope

Read More
  • Songwriter and Harpist Elias Shane ’26 MM, On His Art and (Many) Influences

    March 16, 2026

    Songwriter and Harpist Elias Shane ’26 MM, On His Art and (Many) Influences

  • NEC Prep’s CHIPS Collaborates with Music for Food

    March 16, 2026

    NEC Prep’s CHIPS Collaborates with Music for Food

  • Through Music, NEC student Arson Fahim ’26 Makes Statement of Defiance, Resilience, and Hope

    March 9, 2026

    Through Music, NEC student Arson Fahim ’26 Makes Statement of Defiance, Resilience, and Hope

  • NEC Faculty Curate Cold Fusion: A Wintertime Apple Music Playlist

    March 6, 2026

    NEC Faculty Curate Cold Fusion: A Wintertime Apple Music Playlist

  • NEC Community Mourns the Passing of Margaret McAllister

    March 2, 2026

    NEC Community Mourns the Passing of Margaret McAllister

  • Expanded Education Department Offers New Contemporary Musical Arts Experiences

    March 2, 2026

    Expanded Education Department Offers New Contemporary Musical Arts Experiences