21 year-old South Korean pianist Yunchan Lim today lands the historic first Number 1 on the UK’s new Official Classical Chart, Official Charts can confirm.
A new recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations ‘Live At Carnegie Hall’, released last Friday by Decca Classics-signed pianist Yunchan Lim, tops the first-ever Official Classical Chart in the UK.
The new weekly chart, compiled by the Official Charts Company publishes for the first time today at OfficialCharts.com, it has been developed in close collaboration with the UK classical music industry. Supported by BBC Radio 3, the Official Classical Chart is focused squarely on discovery, featuring only the freshest classical albums released in the past 12 months that are making an impact across the UK, ranked by UK sales and streams.
Martin Talbot, chief executive, Official Charts Company comments:
“From day one of the Official Classical Chart, we are already seeing its ability to shine a spotlight on today’s rising classical stars and the genre’s freshest releases. Congratulations to 21 year-old talent Yunchan Lim, a worthy winner of this historic first UK Classical Number 1!”
In 2022, at just 18 years old, Yunchan Lim became the youngest person ever to win the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. His thrilling concert appearances since have confirmed his standing as a global phenomenon, with sold-out debuts at Carnegie Hall, Wigmore Hall, and the BBC Proms 2024 at The Royal Albert Hall.
Speaking about the chart-topping album Yunchan Lim says:
“The first time I heard Bach’s Goldberg Variations was when I was eight years old and I discovered a box set of Glenn Gould’s Bach recordings. When I first listened to it, I was amazed by its grandeur and beauty, and it has remained close to my heart ever since. I’ve dreamt of releasing this piece as a live album from Carnegie Hall.”
Laura Monks, President of Yunchan Lim’s record label Decca Records comments: "Yunchan Lim is a once in a lifetime talent and this recording is a piece of modern-day history. His ability to interpret musical works with an entirely unique perspective puts him alongside the greats. We are hugely honoured to work with him and so proud to see the album get recognition at the top of the new Official Classical Chart.”
