Myung-wha CHUNG 정명화, Cellist

Chung Myung Hwa, born in Seoul, made a debut on the stage in Korea by collaborating with Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, and studied under Leonard Rose at Juliard School in New York in 1961, and Piatigorsky for 3 years in the master class course in Southern California University since 1965.

Winning the first prize at Geneva International Music Competition in which she participated accompanying Chung Myung Hun as her companion in 1971, her name started to be known on the European stage, and Chung Myung Hwa, who has already won numerous prizes in the US starting from winning San Francisco Symphony Foundation Award in 1967, after making a debut by collaborating with LA Philharmonic Orchestra under the conduction of Jubin Mehta in 1969, she established a solid foothold as the top cellist by collaborating with legendary maestros such as Rudolf Kempe, Antal Dorati and Giulini, etc. She collaborated as a soloist with renowned orchestras in almost all countries in Europe, performed in Israel, US, Canada, Mexico, etc., made an appearance at global television program, and was engaged in special performances in the UN Headquarters and the White House.

New York Times said that Chung Myung Hwa’s technical stability and personal tone are the reasons why she can reach the top of music while beating out many other cellists, and defined her as ‘a performer of style, talent and technique,’ and Il Messaggero magazine in Rome praised her cello music as an excellent and elegant command. Especially, the active role of Chung Trio consisted of Chung Myung Hwa, Chung Kyung Hwa and Chung Myung Hun attracted the world from its beginning in 1978, and got spotlight from the broadcasting and press, and they had to have a busy schedule besides their respective performances.

On May 30, 1992, Chung Trio was appointed as the goodwill ambassadors of UNDCP and during their activity for around 5 years, they held music concert to wipe out drug under the assistance with Vienna Headquarters, and thereinafter, Chung Myung Hwa was appointed as the goodwill ambassador of Korea UNICEF in December 1999. She released her music albums through the labels such as Decca, EMI and Deutsche Gramophone, etc. with Chung Trio as well as on her own. She had Chung Trio Concerts in Japan and Korea in 2004, and starting her role at the lecture hall in earnest as the cello and chamber music professor in New York Mannes School of Music, she is throwing her heart and soul to train younger students at Korea National University of Arts as of, and is engaged in steady activities through recital or collaboration, etc. every year. She is now working as the artistic director of Pyeongchang Music Festival and School with violinist Chung Kyung Hwa.

Was born in Seoul
Graduated from Juliard School
Won the first place at the competition held by San Francisco Symphony Orchestra
Made a debut by the collaboration with LA Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by the maestro Jubin Mehta
Studied under Leonard Rose, Gregor Piatigorsky
Performed at the White House Welcoming Music Concert for the German Prime Minister, Kissinger
Exclusive contract with Columbia Artist Management
Won the first place in Geneva International Competition
The British BBC selected and broadcasted the performance of Chung Trio as a special program
Made records such as Tchaikovsky Rococo variation (Decca) under the conduction of Charles Dutoit and L.A. Philharmonic, Beethoven Concerto (Deutsche Gramophone) with British Philharmonic Orchestra
Made records of around 10 piano trios in the name of Chung Trio (Decca, EMI)
Inaugurated as the Professor of Cello, New York Mannes School of Music
Won Cultural Medal of the Republic of Korea <Eungwan>/ Won “Excellence 2000” due to the her contributing to the US society with music from U.S. Pan-Asian American Chamber of Commerce
Appointed as an invited goodwill ambassador of UNDCP
Special performance commemorating the 50th anniversary of emancipation of Korea from Japan in the major cities in Korea, UN Headquarters and LA, etc.
Solo and collaboration in and out of Korea. US Vermont Musical Festival. Perlman Music School.
Participated and performed in Pyeongchang Music Festival and School, Busan International Chamber Music Festival, etc.
Professor of College of Music, Korea National University of Arts
Korea UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
Honorary Ambassador of National Human Rights Commission of Korea
Artistic Director of Pyeongchang Music Festival and School
Juror of Tchaikovsky, Cassado, Yun Yi Sang International Competition