Why Piano Legend Krystian Zimerman Calls Seong-Jin Cho and Yunchan Lim 'the Best on Earth'
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
Polish piano master Krystian Zimerman (69), known for winning the 1975 Chopin Competition at 18, recently gave his first in-person interview to Korean media. Relaxed and witty in denim and a burgundy jacket, Zimerman praised Korean pianists Seong-Jin Cho and Yunchan Lim, calling them among the greatest talents on the planet after hearing their live performances (Chopin etudes). He recalled supporting Cho since the 2015 Chopin Competition and applauding Lim’s full etude recital in Kawasaki. Zimerman also addressed past controversy over an alleged boycott of US concerts, criticizing media misreporting, and explained his sensitivity to audience recording—likening a recording during a performance to a betrayal in a private love confession. He emphasized that interpretation is a shared act between performer and audience and asked listeners not to record his concerts. Zimerman will give recitals in Seoul (Lotte Concert Hall) in January.
