Chung-Ang alumnus becomes first Korean to win Toru Takemitsu Composition Award

South Korean composer and Chung-Ang University alumnus Choi Jae-hyeok has won the Toru Takemitsu Composition Award, becoming the first Korean to claim the top prize. The award ceremony took place on July 12 at the Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall in Japan, where Choi's orchestral piece Supernova was performed by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra under conductor Yoichi Sugiyama. The competition, organized by the Tokyo Opera City Cultural Foundation, selects one prominent composer annually to serve as the sole judge, a format distinct from traditional panel-based contests. Choi, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music from Chung-Ang University in 2023 and completed his master’s coursework in 2025, was chosen by German composer and clarinetist Jorg Widmann, who acted as the competition’s judge this year. A total of 112 entries from 25 countries were submitted, with four works advancing to the final round. Choi’s Supernova, which portrays the explosion of a star and the birth of new life following the event, features dramatic orchestral contrasts and moments of silence designed to evoke organic forms. The piece earned him a cash prize of 1 million yen, approximately $6,140. The Toru Takemitsu Composition Award is an international competition aimed at emerging composers, focusing on orchestral works. It honors the memory of Japanese composer Toru Takemitsu, known for blending Western classical traditions with Eastern musical elements. Previous judges have included notable figures such as Henri Dutilleux, Gyorgy Ligeti, Luciano Berio, George Benjamin, John Adams, Steve Reich, Helmut Lachenmann, Kaija Saariaho, Chin Un-suk, and Thomas Ades. The award has previously recognized other Korean composers, including Kim Hee-ra, who placed fourth in 2011, and Park Myung-hoon, who shared second prize in 2016. In a statement, Choi reflected on the significance of the achievement, acknowledging the support of mentors, family, and friends throughout his journey. “Composition is a solitary process in which one must constantly question oneself and endure uncertainty, but I was able to come this far because of the teachers, family and friends who believed in me,” he said. He expressed his intention to view the award as a new beginning, continuing to develop his craft as a composer. The competition’s structure emphasizes individual judgment over collective decision-making, allowing a single esteemed composer to evaluate submissions and choose the finalists. This approach aligns with the legacy of Toru Takemitsu, whose compositions often incorporated innovative techniques and cross-cultural influences. The selection of Jorg Widmann as judge this year highlights the continued emphasis on artistic excellence and personal vision in the judging process. Choi’s victory marks a milestone for Korean composers in international orchestral competitions. His success underscores growing recognition of South Korean talent on the global stage, particularly within contemporary classical music. As the competition continues to attract participants from around the world, future editions will likely see more diverse representation among winners, further expanding the influence of Asian composers in the field. The performance of Supernova at the Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of modern orchestral composition and the increasing presence of Korean voices within it.