About this Artist

Sunghyun Lee (born 1995) is a composer from Seoul, South Korea. He graduated from the Seoul National University and completed his master’s degree at the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Italy, studying under composer Ivan Fedele, graduating with summa cum laude honors. He furthered his studies at the Robert Schumann Hochschule in Düsseldorf, Germany, earning the highest distinction in the Konzertexamen (Exzellenzstudiengänge Komposition) program.

Sunghyun was selected as a composer-in-residence for the 2023/24 season at the International Ensemble Modern Academy (IEMA) in Frankfurt, Germany, where he currently resides. His accolades include prizes from the Geneva International Music Competition, Joong-ang Music Competition, "Appassionato Ensemble" International Competition, Fanny Mendelssohn Composition Prize in Niedersachsen, Germany, and the Goffredo Petrassi Prize from the President of Italy.

His compositions have been featured at prominent international festivals such as ISCM World Music Days, Tongyeong International Music Festival, Avanti! Music Festival, Festival Contrasti, Como Contemporary Festival, Mise-en Festival, and Daegu International Contemporary Music Festival. Sunghyun's works have been performed by renowned ensembles including the Ensemble TIMF, International Ensemble Modern Academy, Avanti! Chamber Orchestra, Ensemble Phoenix Basel, Trio Estatico, and many others.

Among his domestic and international awards are the New Artist Award at the 2016 Korean Music Awards and the Rookie Award at the 39th Korea Composition Prize. He was also named Rookie of the Year at the 82nd Chosun Ilbo New Music Concert. From 2019 to 2021, Sunghyun participated in the Korean Culture and Arts Foundation’s “ARKO-Bridge Project,” serving as composer-in-residence for the Millennium Symphony Orchestra. In 2022, he was appointed commissioned composer for the Tongyeong International Music Festival.

Currently based in Frankfurt, He is known for creating communicative and intellectual music that engages performers and audiences alike, moving away from 20th-century European avant-garde traditions. Sunghyun's compositions offer a blend of intellectual stimulation and enjoyable experiences, leaving a lasting impact on listeners.