Lee Cheolwoong 이철웅 / Republic of Korea

Professor Cheolwoong Lee graduated from the Department of Instrumental Music at Yonsei University’s College of Music. In 1989, he began his career as the associate principal trombonist of the Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra(Bucheon), establishing a solid foundation as a performer. He then pursued further studies in Germany, earning a Diplom from the Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen. He later completed the Konzert-Examen, the highest-level performance program, graduating with highest honors (mit Auszeichnung). In 1999, he won first prize at the Folkwang Competition in Germany, gaining recognition in the local music scene. The prestigious German daily newspaper WAZ praised his performance as “a stunning display of technical brilliance, coupled with delicate yet powerful resonance that captivates the audience.” Following this success, he was appointed an official artist for Edwards Instrument Co. (USA) and Antoine Courtois (France), solidifying his status as a world-class trombonist. He previously served as principal trombonist of the KBS Symphony Orchestra(Seoul) and has performed as a soloist with leading orchestras both in Korea and internationally. His collaborations include the Jeonju Philharmonic Orchestra, Seogwipo Wind Orchestra, KBS Symphony Orchestra, Jeju Philharmonic Orchestra, Beijing Wind Orchestra (National Centre for the Performing Arts, Beijing), Nuova Orchestra Da Camera Ferruccio Busoni (Trieste, Italy), and the North Czech Philharmonic Orchestra (Smetana Hall, Prague). In addition to his orchestral engagements, he continues to maintain an active performing career across Europe and Asia. Notably, he has given solo recitals as part of “Musik für Posaune und Orgel” in major German cities, including Magdeburg, Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Berlin, Leipzig, and Munich. In addition, he has performed with the IMK Trio at Castle Trmice (Czech Republic) and Teatro Bibbiena (Mantova, Italy). His recording of "Romantic Trombone Concertos" (Trombone: Cheolwoong Lee / Piano: Charlene Farrugia) was produced by Sony and recorded at the Konzerthaus in Vienna, which was released as a commercial recording, further demonstrating his musical artistry. As the music director and conductor of the Korean Wind Orchestra, he leads its regular concerts, as well as special concert projects and “Professor Lee Chul-woong’s Emotional Concert” series. He has also successfully directed and conducted prestigious international performances, including a charity concert for the AETAS Children's Foundation in Munich, Germany (Kirche St. Joseph), an invited performance at the Promenadenkonzerte in Innsbruck, Austria (Imperial Hofburg Innsbruck), an invited concert in Grafenwöhr, Germany, and a performance at the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) conference in Prague (Zofin Palace). Currently, he serves as a professor of Orchestral Studies at Yonsei University’s College of Music, where he is dedicated to training the next generation of musicians. At the same time, he holds multiple key positions in the music world, including music director and conductor of the Korean Wind Orchestra, conductor of the Yonsei University Wind Orchestra, organizing committee member of the Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival, president of the Korean Association of University Wind and Percussion Music, and music director and conductor of the Seodaemun-gu Junior Wind Orchestra. Additionally, he serves as a Trombone Artist for Littin-Musik (Germany) (Model: LITTIN 620) and as a jury member for the Asia-Pacific Wind Music Festival and the Jeju International Brass Competition. Through his various roles, he actively contributes to the musical landscape both in Korea and internationally, fostering young musicians while maintaining a dynamic career as both a performer and educator. Committed to advancing international musical exchange and the development of wind and trombone music, he continues to be highly regarded for his passion and dedication in the global music community. As he has in the past, he remains devoted to expanding his influence as a world-class musician through diverse performance and educational endeavors.