Instrument/Position:
First Violin
Hometown:
Seoul, Korea
Education:
I graduated from YeWon School and Seoul Arts High School. After completing Bachelor of Music Degree at the Korean National University of Arts and Music, I received a Master of Music degree from Indiana University and Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Maryland.
Joined the Symphony:
2008
Other orchestras/ensembles/festivals you have or currently play with:
Since 2008, I have been honored to serve as concertmaster of the Mission College Symphony. It is such a wonderful gathering place for musicians of all ages and skill levels throughout the Bay Area. Led by Maestro Joseph Ordaz, our orchestra provides a platform for community members to come together and share their love for music. In 2021, I joined the Nova Solisti chamber orchestra as a violinist. It is a conductor-less string orchestra and our unique collaborative approach allows each member to contribute their own musical ideas, resulting in a rich and dynamic sound. In addition to these ensembles, I have had the honor of serving as concertmaster for the California Concerto Weekend for Amateur Pianists in 2014 and 2017. These experiences have enriched my musical journey and allowed me to share my passion for music with incredibly talented amateur musicians.
Most memorable musical experience:
As an avid fan of film and animation, I have had the pleasure of performing many fantastic concerts with Symphony San Jose. However, if I have to pick only two, my two favorite performances were undoubtedly the Joe Hisaishi Symphonic Concert – Music from the Studio Ghibli Films in 2018 and the Lord of the Rings film trilogy with Maestro Shih-Hung Young in 2015.
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing:
My original dream was to become a movie critic or actress and lead me to watch and analyze 70-80 movies during summer and winter recess during my teenage years . It was during my studies at the Korean National University of Arts and Music that I decided to take an acting class during the freshman year. While I enjoyed the experience, I soon realized that memorizing a play script and expressing the intricate details of a character’s emotions through facial expressions was extremely challenging for me.
Hobbies:
During the weekdays, I have a routine of biking to Safeway, Peet’s coffee, parks, and beautiful bay areas in the morning. Sometimes, I head over to a local golf course in Palo Alto to practice my golf skills. Although I am a beginner, I aim to hit a 150-yard shot with my driver. When I have some free time at night, one of my favorite things to do is to watch Netflix. My top three favorite Netflix dramas of all time are Kingdom, Alchemy of Souls, and Sweet Home, which are all Korean dramas that feature well-planned screenplays, excellent cinematography, superb directing, perfect acting, and
powerful, beautiful music.
Favorite vacation spot:
Every summer, my family and I make a trip to Seoul, South Korea to visit my parents and my brother’s family. Seoul, South Korea is a must-visit destination due to its rich cultural heritage, delicious cuisine, shopping opportunities, and beautiful scenery. From ancient palaces and temples to trendy fusion cuisine and street food, there’s something for
everyone to explore and enjoy. Additionally, the city’s natural beauty, including mountains and the Han River, provides you unforgettable memories. It’s definitely worth a visit!
What three things can always be found in your refrigerator:
Probiotic products, such as kimchi, natto, and Greek or other flavored yogurts.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be:
Love every single note as parents love their own children
Do you have a “bucket list” piece of orchestral music that you have yet to play:
Johannes Brahms’ Double Concerto for violin and cello
