Clarinet Jeong Junhwa 클라리넷 정준화 / Republic of Korea

Clarinetist Jeong Junhwa graduated with honors from Busan High School of Arts and Keimyung University in Daegu. He continued his studies in France, earning diplomas in both the Diplôme d'Études Musicales (D.E.M) and chamber music programs at the Conservatoire de Val Maubuée in Paris. He later completed the highest-level pedagogy and performance programs at the École Normale de Musique de Paris with unanimous distinction from the jury.

From an early age, Jeong demonstrated exceptional talent, winning top prizes in numerous domestic competitions, including the Gold Prize in the woodwind division of the Korea Music Education Association Competition, First Prize at the Busan Music Association Competition, Grand Prize in the woodwind/brass division at the Dong-Eui University Competition, and the Grand Prize from the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education Competition. Internationally, he received First Prize and the Mayor’s Prize at the Lempdes Competition in France, Third Prize in the chamber music category at the Leopold Bellan International Competition in France, and became the first Asian to win Second Prize at the Julian Menendez International Competition in Spain, earning wide recognition for his artistry.

Jeong has performed as a soloist with the Busan Philharmonic Orchestra, the Czestochowa Philharmonic Orchestra in Poland, and the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Clarinet Choir, receiving acclaim for his beautiful tone and dazzling technique. He has firmly established himself as one of Korea’s leading next-generation clarinetists. During his time in France, he served as principal clarinetist with the Orchestre symphonique du Val Maubuée and was a member of a clarinet ensemble. He was also invited to perform at numerous concerts hosted by the Advniat Association and Lions Club in Paris. Since returning to Korea, he has given solo recitals in Busan, Daegu, and Jeju, and performed as a soloist with the Busan Youth Philharmonic Orchestra, New Prime Orchestra, Jeju Seogwipo Wind Orchestra, Jeju Wind Orchestra, Camerata Busan, and Busan Soloists. He has also served as guest principal clarinetist with the Busan Philharmonic Orchestra.

Currently, he is concertmaster of the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Seogwipo Wind Orchestra, a member of the Joyeux Reed Ensemble, conductor of the Jeju Clarinet Choir, and an endorsed artist for Selmer France clarinets, Nonaka Selmer clarinets, and Zac ligatures. He is also dedicated to educating the next generation, teaching at Busan High School of Arts, Gyeongbuk High School of Arts, Hamdeok High School in Jeju, and Jeju National University.