Audience Prize ARD Music Competition 2017
IFP Music Prize ARD Music Competition 2017
2nd prize ARD Music Competition (1st vacant) 2017
1st prize Yale Gordon Concerto Competition 2016
1st prize Thailand International Guitar Competition 2011
"[Kuang] performs the Bach Chaconne with not only technical command, but with impressive understanding of the architecture of the piece."
American Record Guide
"…a new talent who stands out in an overcrowded world of young guitarists."
David’s Review Corner
As one of the most influential young musicians today, guitarist Junhong Kuang was selected as one of the ‘30 Brilliant Classical Musicians Under 30 ' by conductor Julian Lloyd Webber. He has worked with many conductors including Darrell Ang, Michael Francis, Tonu Kaljuste, Kevin Griffiths, Jed Gaylin, Nell Flanders, Chen Xieyang, Chen Lin, Yin Jiongjie Hu Yongyan, Zhu Qiyuan, Fu Renchang, and shared the stage with musicians: Manuel Barrueco, David Russell, Pepe Romero, Lv Siqing, Mei Diyang (Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Principal Viola), and Zeng Yun (Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra Principal French Horn). He also works closely with composers Gerald Garcia and Wen Ziyang. In 2017, Kuang was awarded the top prize in the classical guitar category of the prestigious ARD Music Competition, along with the Audience Prize and the Ifp-Musikpreis, making him the youngest prizewinner in ARD’s history.
Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez is the most celebrated classical guitar work of the 20th century, music that conjures up the colour, sophistication and glories of eternal Spain. The founding father of Mexican music, Manuel Ponce, wrote his Concierto del sur for Segovia, and it is a work of vivid grandeur, Sevillian dances and melodic richness. To complete the programme, prize-winning international virtuoso Junhong Kuang plays a piece dedicated to him—Gerald Garcia’s China Sings!—a rhapsody inspired by two popular Chinese tunes.
The exceptional young Chinese guitarist Junhong Kuang has made a remarkable impact on the international stage, receiving standing ovations at venues in New York (Carnegie Hall), Shanghai and Beijing for his flawless technique youthful optimism. Aged just 14 at the time of this recording, he won first prize in the Thailand International Guitar Competition in 2011 and first prize in the Yale Gordon Concerto Competition in 2016.
"Incredible talent. Beautiful tone and good musicality all-round.
Shows a lot of maturity in his playing despite his age. Has a strong right hand just like J Williams.
Difficult to believe he was only 14 when this recording was made. Someone has famously said that one
can only do justice to Bach's music when he or she reaches 50. Well, this version of the Chaconne sounds
great to my ears - nicely phrased throughout and the virtuosic passages cleanly executed. Only wish the 2
Spanish pieces were a bit more exciting (a bit more Spanish in feel? [whatever that means]). With this
and other up-and-coming talents the future of the classical guitar is assured. Highly recommended. "
"Very good playing for a young guitarist and the repertoire is well chosen. I would recommend
this to anyone with a love for the classical guitar. I expect this guitarist to shine even more as he matures."
Junhong’s performance of Tedesco’s “Quintet for Guitar and String Quartet” with the Novus Quartet in the ARD semifinals
Bayerischer Rundfunk Orchestra, “Concierto de Aranjuez” by Rodrigo
3-minute Interview with Junhong Kuang
Junhong’s performance of Rodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjuez” in the ARD finals