A rising star in the world of classical music, pianist In-Ae Ha is known for her brilliant virtuosity, deep artistry, and captivating stage presence. Recently awarded 2nd Prize at the Concours International de Piano de Sorel-Tracy 2024, her performance of Brahms Concerto No. 1 received high praise, with critics noting “In-Ae Ha (South Korea) presented a thoughtful interpretation of Brahms’ 1st Piano Concerto. Ha’s playing had sublime moments of spaciousness and grandeur which contrasted beautifully with the tutti sections of the orchestra.” (Fiona Wu, La Scena Musicale). In-Ae won 3rd prize at both the Epinal International Piano Competition and the Leoš Janáček International Competition in Brno and was a finalist at the Wideman International Piano Competition. She is the recipient of the Tuesday Musicale of Detroit Doreen Wessel Taylor Piano Award 2024-2025 and has performed at renowned venues worldwide, including Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, Van Cliburn Concert Hall, Besední dům (Brno Philharmonic), La Raxotonde Thaon-les-Vosges, Seoul Arts Center, Kumho Art Hall, Tokyo University of the Arts Concert Hall, and the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, among others.
Born in Seoul but raised in Louisville, Kentucky, In-Ae Ha began her musical studies at age four. She first gained national attention at age 10 when she appeared on NPR’s From the Top. Her early accomplishments include winning 2nd Prize at the Chopin Youth Piano Competition and securing victories in the Louisville Orchestra Young Artist Competition and Cincinnati Young Artist Concerto Competition. She went on to perform with the Clermont Philharmonic Orchestra and Louisville Orchestra and was invited to give recitals at Comstock Concert Hall and University of Kentucky’s Center Theatre. In her teenage years, after returning to Korea, In-Ae made her debut at Kumho Art Hall as part of the Prodigy Concert Series at age 14. She further distinguished herself by winning the Grand Prize at the Eumak Journal Competition and the 6th International Piano Competition of Korea, and by being a finalist in the Seoul Arts Center Music Academy and Competition.
In-Ae’s recital engagements have taken her across Korea and beyond. In Spring 2024, she presented solo recitals at esteemed Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series produced by Classical Music Chicago, Steinway Hall at Steinway Gallery of Detroit, and at the University of Michigan Britton Recital Hall. She also made notable performances at the Rising Star Concert Series at Hermann Art Hall presented by MOC Production, the Chosunilbo Debut Concert Series, The House Concert Series July Festival, and at JCC Art Center Concert Hall in Seoul. In August of 2025, she has been invited as Artist in Residence at the Porto Pianofest 2025 in Portugal, and in 2024, she was invited to participate in the 2024 Gilmore Piano Festival Fellowship and the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity’s Art of Piano. She has also been a participant at prestigious festivals including the Piano Texas International Festival and Academy, Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival, Piano Summer at SUNY New Paltz, Mozarteum International Summer Academy, and the Indiana University Young Artist Academy.
In-Ae completed both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the Korea National University of Arts, studying under the guidance of Minsoo Sohn and Daejin Kim. Following her second Master’s degree from the University of Michigan, she is currently pursuing her Doctoral Degree at Michigan, where she also serves as a Graduate Student Instructor. Under the mentorship of Arthur Greene, In-Ae continues to develop as an artist and educator.
When not in Ann Arbor, In-Ae frequently returns to Louisville, Kentucky, where she remains deeply connected to her community, sharing her love of music through performances and outreach opportunities.