We sincerely invite all prize winners to share their concert photos and personal biographies with us.
We would be truly honored to feature these materials on our website, highlighting your outstanding achievements and remarkable accomplishments.
Please submit one high-resolution photo along with a personal biography of no more than 200 words via email. If you would like to share a spoken message, kindly record a 1–2 minute video. Your contribution will allow us to learn about your musical journey and share your inspiring story with our audience.
Please send your materials to the following email address: info@SvendsenGriegCompetition.com
Winners' Biographies
Emilia Waleska is a double bassist from Poland, currently studying and living in Czech Republic. In 2021 Emilia graduated from secondary music school in Poland, in her hometown Gdynia. Her teacher at the time was Mrs. Jadwiga Moskal, M.A.. Later, in 2024 she graduated from Janaček Akademy of Performing Arts in Brno, Czech Republic under guidance of Prof. Miloslav Jelínek, M.A. Currently she continues her studies in a Master’s programme, being a student of Prof. Miloslav Jelinek, M.A. and Marek Švestka PhD. Emilia Waleska works full-time as a tutti double bassist in the orchestra of the opera of Narodní Divadlo Brno. She also used to play with Prague Chamber Orchestra and Prague Philharmonia. She is a graduate of masterclasses with multiple pedagogues. F.e. Prof. Irena Olkiewicz, Piotr Zimnik, Gunars Upatnieks, Einars Everss, Oskars Bokanovs. Her interests are wide; including both historical interpretation and extended techniques.
April Bom Lee is a cellist of refined technique and musical sensitivity. Born in Sydney in 2012, she began studying cello at the age of six and continued her training after moving to South Korea in 2020. She currently attends Yewon School, one of Korea’s leading arts middle schools, where she is developing as a promising young performer.
She has received top prizes in several international and national competitions, including 1st Prize at the Bruno Walter International Competition (2025), The K-Stars of the Carnegie International Music Competition (2024), and the KAMA International Music Competition (2024), as well as multiple major awards in Korea.
In 2025, she founded the chamber ensemble “Joyful Trio,” performing Beethoven’s Piano Trio No. 4 in B-flat Major, Op. 11 in 2026 to critical acclaim. She has also been selected for major performance platforms, including the 42nd Young Musicians’ Festival and the Namhae International Music Academy & Festival.
April has participated in masterclasses with leading cellists such as Amit Peled, Niklas Eppinger, Kirill Rodin, and Troels Svane. She completed the Music Gifted Program at Seoul National University of Education (2023–2024).
She currently studies with Sook-jung Lee and Jun-young Ahn, having previously trained with Yoon-jung Boo and Jae-young Lee. A dual citizen of Australia and South Korea, she combines an international outlook with a strong artistic identity, continuing to grow as a committed young musician.