Yoon Jun Kim
Yoon Jun Kim, a native of South Korea, has made her mark as a percussionist and timpanist in the vibrant landscape of New York City. Her musical journey spans a diverse range of roles, from orchestral player to soloist, chamber musician, and film scorer. A fixture in the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, she eagerly anticipates her next performance in "Turandot" for the opening night.
In the summer of last year, Yoon Jun participated in prestigious festivals such as the Pacific Music Festival and the Lucerne Contemporary Music Festival. There, she collaborated with esteemed musicians, composers, and conductors including Susanna Mälkki, Krzysztof Urbanski, and Thomas Dausgaard, enriching her artistic perspective on a global stage. This summer, she will be participating in the Music Academy of the West festival as percussion/timpani fellow.
Yoon Jun's orchestral prowess has led her to perform under the batons of renowned conductors such as Gustavo Dudamel, Sir Antonio Pappano, and Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Her performances have graced esteemed venues worldwide, from the KKL Luzern in Switzerland to the Seoul Arts Center and the Metropolitan Opera House.
As a soloist, Yoon Jun captivates audiences with her expressive interpretations, showcasing works such as Steven Mackey's "No Two Breaths" and Joe W. Moore's "Black Minerals." Her chamber music endeavors include collaborations with fellow musicians, including a marimba duet at Alice Tully Hall and performances at the Pacific Music Festival.
Expanding her musical horizons, Yoon Jun delves into the realm of film scoring, infusing her compositions with cinematic flair and emotion. Her piece for the short film "The Usual" was selected for the Juilliard film scoring festival, highlighting her versatility as a composer and sound engineer.
She's deeply engaged in mentoring younger percussionists, having served as a counselor/percussion mentor at the Juilliard Summer Percussion Seminar in 2022. She's also a valued substitute percussion mentor for the Music Advanced Program at Juilliard. Moreover, she takes on the role of head Teaching Assistant for the Juilliard Percussion department, where she expertly organizes lesson schedules, practice rooms, instruments, and percussion repertoire classes.
Currently pursuing her master's degree at the Juilliard School, Yoon Jun continues to refine her craft under the guidance of esteemed faculty members Daniel Druckman, Gregory Zuber, Markus Rhoten, and Glen Velez. With each performance and composition, she embraces new challenges and opportunities, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.