Praised as “a rare virtuoso of the flute” by Libération, Sooyun Kim has established herself as one of the rare flute soloists in the classical music scene. Since her concerto debut with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra at age ten, she has enjoyed a flourishing career performing with orchestras including the Bavarian Radio, Munich Philharmonic, Munich Chamber, and Boston Pops orchestras. Her European debut recital at the Louvre was streamed live on Medici.tv. A winner of the Georg Solti Foundation Career Grant, she has received numerous international awards and prizes including the third prize at the ARD International Flute Competition. Her summer appearances include the Music@Menlo, Spoleto USA, Yellow Barn, Rockport, Olympic, Charlottesville, Ravinia and Tanglewood festivals. Most recently, she has been appointed as the Director of New Initiative for International Sejong Soloists. Her special interest in interdisciplinary art led her to collaborate with many artists, dancers, and museums around the world such as Sol Lewitt, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and Glassmuseet Ebeltoft in Denmark. She choreographed and performed in dance works for Chamber Music Northwest and the Tivoli Dance Troupes in Denmark. An alum of The Bowers Program (formerly CMS Two), she continues to perform as Season Artist with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. As an educator, she has given masterclasses and lectures around the world including the Cleveland Institute of Music, Mannes School of Music, Sibelius Academy in Finland and Seoul National University in Korea. She teaches summer courses at the Orford Musique. Ms.Kim studied at the New England Conservatory under tutelage of Paula Robison. In addition to her musical training, she studied Baroque Dance with Melinda Sullivan. Praised for her tone that “shone like bright jewel” (San Jose Examiner), Ms. Kim plays on a rare 18-carat -gold flute specially made for her by Verne Q. Powell Flutes.
Teaching Statement
I believe that my role as a teacher is to be a lighthouse by a big open sea – with my students, I help them identify their own unique voice within a sea of possibilities. I guide and inspire them to navigate towards new directions in which they can form their own individuality and artistry.