After debuting as a soloist with the Daegu City Orchestra at the age of 14, she began her solo concert career the following year and quickly gained recognition for her talent. She has won numerous awards, including the Grand Prize at the Korea-Germany Brahms Association Competition, the Grand Prize at the Gimcheon University Competition, awards at the Music Chunchoo Competition, a solo recital at the Lee Won Dream Concert, and performances at the 68th Chosun Ilbo New Artist Concert, as well as other prestigious competitions and concerts in Korea.
While studying at Detmold University of Music, she was awarded the Leistungsprämie Scholarship. She also earned second place at the Detmold University of Music Liszt International Competition, won the IPAF Scholarship Award, advanced to the finals of the ARD International Competition in Munich, performed at the Nador Hall in Budapest, was invited for a solo recital at Pianohaus Lepthien in Germany, participated in the Ebnet International Contemporary Music Festival, and performed at the Electe International Piano Festival in Serbia. She also held concerts at the St. Agatha Cathedral in Catania, Italy, the Carl-Orff-Saal in Munich, and gave a solo recital at the Konzerthaus in Detmold. Through these performances and her success in European competitions, she earned critical acclaim from both the local press and audiences.
Joo Hee Seo has been selected for masterclasses with world-renowned musicians such as Günter Ludwig, Ferenc Rados, András Schiff, and Jura Margulis. Her extensive studies and passion for music, particularly her intense work with Hungarian pianist Alex Szilasi, have profoundly influenced her delicate and rich sound, as well as her musical expression.
Upon returning to Korea, she has been actively performing on various stages, including the Ensemble Arete Romantic Music Series “On Romance,” the Lee Won Outstanding New Artist Solo Recital, concerts at the National Assembly Members’ Hall, performances for “Culture Day,” a lecture recital at the Daegu Concert House Lobby Music Series, and the Daegu Music Festival. She has also been invited to perform at the Daegu Seogu Cultural Center Piano Festival, appeared on Daegu KBS-FM’s “Beautiful Afternoon at 4 PM,” and participated in regular performances of the Korea Piano Duo Association and the French Music Research Society. Additionally, she has performed solo recitals at the Arts Center’s Recital Hall and the Sejong Center, and collaborated with the L’Orchestra Appasionata and the Gyeongju Symphony Orchestra. Her performances continue to receive positive reviews, and she has actively engaged with audiences as a soloist and chamber musician.
Joo Hee Seo’s lecture concert at Daegu University’s “DU Cultural Zone” was selected as the “Most Wanted Lecture” and marked an unprecedented achievement with three consecutive invitations. Since 2016, she has also been serving as the Artistic Director of the Daegu Young Classical Music Festival.
Currently, Joo Hee Seo is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of musicians as a faculty member at Kyungpook National University, Daegu Catholic University, Daegu Arts High School, and Shinmyeong High School’s Music Department.
