Pianist Cho joins Paris talent agency

Pianist Cho Seong-jin has signed with a management company.

Paris-based Solea Management announced on its official website Tuesday that it signed Cho, who in October became the first Korean ever to win first prize at the prestigious International Chopin Piano Competition.

The local media has been awaiting his next move. There had been rumors that he would settle down at an agency like Askonas Holt or HarrisonParrott, to which some young Korean artists belong.

Established in 2005, Solea is relatively new compared to other management companies, but it has earned a good reputation in the classical music industry in a short period of time by aggressively scouting young soloists, conductors and ensembles.

Its office is located near the Philharmonie de Paris.

Since the 21-year-old pianist is based in Paris, industry insiders say the location of the Solea Management may have affected his decision.

The management company represents artists like pianist Menahem Pressler, violinist Daniel Hope and harpist Xavier de Maistre.

Meanwhile, Cho will hold a gala concert on Feb. 2 at the Seoul Arts Center in Yangjae-dong, southern Seoul, to commemorate his winning the International Chopin Piano Competition. The show starts at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

BY RYU TAE-HYUNG [so@joongang.co.kr]