"Genius, his fingers literally flies on the guitar" Koelner Stadt Anzeige (GE)
"An album of great Beauty breathes like a simple acceptance of life, sublimated tranquility" J. Tamsma
"A unique combination of elegance and passion... one of the best guitarist in Korea and one of the best guitarists in Asia." La Musica (KO)
Denis Sungho is a classical guitarist and composer, who has created a distinct sound that merges his Korean and European identities with his musical sphere. His extensive repertoire ranges from classical to pop to his compositions. Born in Korea and adopted at 9 months to a Belgian family, he began learning the guitar at the age of 7. A naturally gifted child, he won his first competition at the age of 14. The SABAM, a Belgian copyright society, rewarded him with a first prize for all instruments.
Denis obtained his first diploma at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels in one year with congratulations from the jury. He then studied for 4 years with the legendary Odair Assad at the Royal Conservatory of Mons. He also studied with masters Sergio Assad and Alberto Ponce. Elected "Rising Star" by the European Concert Hall Organization (ECHO) network and the Palais des Beaux Arts in Brussels, Denis has performed in venues such as Carnegie Hall in New York, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Berlin Philharmonie, and the Cologne Philharmonic among many others. He was extended an invitation to participate with the Ensemble Intercontemporain, Oxalys, and is also a laureate of the Belgian Vocations Foundation.
Among his albums, his recording of the concerto Elegiaco and the quintet of Cuban master Leo Brouwer (Fuga Libera) was praised by the German classical music magazine KLASSIK as "historical’’, the album also appears in the ''The World's Best 100’' - Best Recordings in Guitar History. His album dedicated to Paganini (Naxos) was ranked as a best seller in Korea and appears at the opening of the TOP 50 of Naxos.
As an entrepreneur, one of his highest accomplishments includes producing the first New Year's gala concert in Korea with his invitation to the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and Zubin Mehta. In 2018, Denis was appointed artistic director by the International Olympic Committee for the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. He created and conducted exclusive concerts for more than 20 heads of state, as well as for hundreds of international business leaders and personalities from the worlds of art, sport and politics.
Denis performed at the Korean Presidential Palace “Cheong Wa Dae” for Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Belgium, and South Korean President, Moon Jae-in. He collaborates with musicians from different music genres, such as with Jo Sumi, Insooni or Kim Bumsoo. He also recorded with Pak Sunzoo. He is the first guitarist to be invited to the Martha Argerich's Lugano Festival. Denis has been featured on several South Korean television channels, including a documentary about his singular destiny as a man, but also as a musician. His unique talent has been described as 'sublimated tranquillity', 'a mixture of grace and imperious fervor'. His personal history and his dual identity permeate through his music as a performer and composer.
As a fervent humanitarian, Denis was appointed as 'The MSF Companion', the official partner of MSF (Doctor Without Borders). Denis plans to take the lead in realizing humanitarian values and advocating for underprivileged patients around the world through a close partnership with MSF.
Show with Anna Tsuchiya:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1bVd8F3pA0
Promo Video short:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp3g_ZBUGCg
Promo Video long:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMnQ5rPco4Q