Underwood New Music Readings - Composer Spotlight: Jihyun Kim

Jihyun Kim’s music has been performed in the prestigious venues around the world, including Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, the Cloisters at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Bruno Walter Auditorium at Lincoln Center, Seiji Ozawa Hall, Harris Hall in Aspen, DiMenna Center, Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence Italy, and Seoul Arts Center in Korea. Jihyun’s works were performed by eminent ensembles such as Tanglewood New Fromm Players, Aspen Contemporary Ensemble, JACK Quartet, PUBLIQuartet, Asciano Quartet, Karien Ensemble, Switch Ensemble, Aspen Conducting Academy Orchestra, Cornell Festival Orchestra, Bloomington Trio, and Chanticleer LAB Choir, and were featured in Tanglewood Music Center, Aspen Music Festival, Mayfest, the University of South Florida New Music Festival, Midwest Composers Symposium, and Korean Music Expo.

Jihyun’s piece A Tramp in the Assembly Line was selected for the 2019 Underwood New Music Readings where it will be workshopped and read by American Composers Orchestra and conductor Ludovic Morlot. Jihyun spoke to us about the readings and his piece.

Rehearsals, workshops, and final readings are open to the public on May 23 and 24 at NYU's Frederick Loewe Theatre (35 W 4th St). RSVP here

Composer Jihyun Kim

American Composers Orchestra: What was your reaction to finding out your piece had been selected for the Underwood New Music Readings?

Jihyun Kim: I was extremely happy to find out that my piece was selected among many others; this is the opportunity that I have been always wanting to participate in, as I have seen my friends participating in previous editions and really enjoying the experience. Especially with this work, I am very excited to hear the work come to life by a wonderful orchestra specialized in new music.

ACO: What are you doing to prepare for the readings? Are there any changes you have made to your piece?

JK: I have been making a few changes for the readings: One of the mentors, Mr. Derek Bermel gave productive comments on the piece and also the publisher, Mr. Bill Holab, gave me suggestions on perfecting the layout of the score/parts.

ACO: What are you looking forward to about the workshops and readings? What do you hope to learn from the experience?

JK: I am very much looking forward to working with ACO under the baton of maestro Ludovic Morlot, and hearing the valuable insight of the renowned mentor composers, Derek Bermel, Tania León, and Anthony Cheung. It will also be an inspiring experience to hear the works of my colleagues. It is exciting to see the workshops that ACO is offering: meeting with the publishers and presenters and learning about the world of publishing and programing will provide me with critical information and knowledge that every young composer needs.

Hear Jihyun's piece at the 2019 Underwood New Music Readings. Rehearsals, workshops, and final readings are open to the public on May 23 and 24 at NYU's Frederick Loewe Theatre (35 W 4th St). RSVP here

Learn more about Jihyun at www.noeljihyunkim.com