Pianist Yunchan Lim Withdraws from Performances Following Hand Injury

Lim has canceled performances in the UK, Spain, Germany, and Italy — and aims to return to the stage in April

The 20-year-old Korean pianist Yunchan Lim has withdrawn from five European concerts on account of a sprain in his hand. In a statement, Lim said he was working with both his doctor and his physical therapist on the injury, and will rest for a period to allow his hand to heal.

The concerts affected are:

March 27 – Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, London
March 30 – Peralada Festival, Spain
April 6 – Gewandhaus, Leipzig
April 8 – Wigmore Hall, London
April 10 – Fondazione La Società dei Concerti, Milan

At this stage, Lim's next concerts will be with Marin Alsop and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra on April 26. He will play Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2.

The youngest pianist ever to win the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2022, Lim is quickly becoming a household name — and has received concerto performance opportunities with the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Baltimore Symphony, and Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestras, and Orchestre de Paris.

He began piano at the age of seven, and his major teacher was Minsoo Sohn.

"Performing and sharing music is my great joy, and I am heartbroken that I am unable to give these concerts," Lim said. "I am so sorry for any disappointment this causes. I am working with doctors for a quick recovery and to prevent a similar problem in the future."

"I offer my deepest apologies and thank you for your understanding. I look forward to returning to play with these incredible orchestras and concert and recital halls in the near future."