About

Meet Bitna Lee

I am a pianist who completed the Performance Program (Pianoforte Concert Major) at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, Austria, and the Bachelor of Arts program at the Korea National University of Arts. In my first year of middle school, I was selected by pianist Moon Ik-ju—then the Chair of the Music Department at UCLA—and moved to the United States. There, I won various competitions, including the International Bach Competition. At the age of 14, I made my U.S. debut performing Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 in collaboration with the Angeles Orchestra and subsequently appeared on an LA radio broadcast. Upon returning to Korea, I pursued my Bachelor of Arts degree at the School of Music, Korea National University of Arts, where I studied under pianists Kang Chung-mo and Lee Kyung-sook. Subsequently, to further my career on the international stage, I enrolled at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, where I studied under Alexander Jenner—the head of the jury for the Tchaikovsky Competition—and Stefan Vladar, a renowned pianist, conductor, and master interpreter of Beethoven. During my studies in Vienna, I was invited to perform the opening concert at the Vienna International Competition—becoming the first Korean artist to do so. I also gave invited performances hosted by the Korean Embassy in Austria, performed at an anti-drug awareness concert, and gave a recital in Bologna, Switzerland. Since then, I have maintained an active career in Korea—giving performances, mentoring students, and serving as an adjudicator for entrance examinations (for prestigious arts middle schools, high schools, and universities). I have since relocated back to the United States, where I am currently active in the Oakton, Virginia area, focusing on teaching, serving as a competition judge, and giving performances.