Christine Jeon (Year 11) performing with her brother Samuel Jeon (OC 2021) in the Centennial Chapel.

Winner of prestigious classical competition

After submitting a video recording of Debussy’s Cello Sonata in D minor to the 2022 Melbourne International Piano and Strings Festival Competition, Christine Jeon (Year 11) says she was shocked to win first prize in the Strings Open Age category, from entries submitted from musicians around the world, including Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania. “At first, I doubted the results and thought the winner could be someone with the same name as me from somewhere else in the world. But after I realised, After submitting a video recording of Debussy’s Cello Sonata in D minor to the 2022 Melbourne International Piano and Strings Festival Competition, Christine Jeon (Year 11) says she was shocked to win first prize in the Strings Open Age category, from entries submitted from musicians around the world, including Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania. “At first, I doubted the results and thought the winner could be someone with the same name as me from somewhere else in the world. But after I realised, I was so excited and happy.”

At just 15 years of age, the win in one of Australia’s most prestigious classical festivals is a remarkable achievement. Christine recorded the sonata in the Centennial Chapel, alongside her brother, Samuel Jeon (OC 2021), on piano. He is another incredible musician, who is currently studying at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Last year, the siblings paired with Head Prefect, Grace Lawrence (Year 13), to win the New Zealand Chamber Music Contest.

Christine says Debussy is her favourite composer, with the sonata based on a clown arguing with the moon. “The crazy technical aspects of this piece really showed the characteristics of a clown which I was naturally drawn to. The French style was completely new to me, but I was confident the piece could grab people’s attention just like it grabbed mine.”

The support of St Andrew’s, particularly the Music Department, is important to Christine, who is a member of the Symphony Orchestra and chamber groups. “Not only does St Andrew’s give me the best opportunities to perform, the way the College supports me as a person is indescribably great. It was very meaningful to record the sonata in the Centennial Chapel, which has a lovely resonance. Every time I look at this video it will remind me of the College’s support.”

After leaving school, Christine plans to pursue a career as a cellist, performing around the world.