Although Justin Kim has studied violin since 3rd grade and has performed in countless concerts over the years, the Yale Symphony Orchestra's season opener on Saturday, Oct. 4, will mark a musical rite-
of-passage for the Davenport College junior.
Standing in the spotlight, clad in
a tuxedo, his violin tucked beneath his chin, his bow poised above the strings, Mr. Kim will make his debut that evening as a "featured artist."
"This will be the first time I've soloed with an orchestra," says Mr. Kim. "It's
a totally different experience. I've never had that many people behind me, accompanying me." He adds, "It's exciting, but stressful."
Mr. Kim will perform Sibelius' Violin Concerto in D Minor with the Yale Symphony Orchestra (YSO) at its opening concert, which will be held at 8 p.m. in Woolsey Hall, corner of College and Grove streets. Leading Mr. Kim and the orchestra through the three-movement concerto, as well as the other works on
the program, will be musical director Shinik Hahm.
The violinist, who has been a YSO member since his freshman year, earned a solo spot with the orchestra by winning its annual William Waite Concerto Competition last February. The other winners, pianist Mimi Solomon '99 of Davenport College and cellist Daniel Adamson '98
of Davenport College, will be featured
in YSO concerts on Nov. 15 and Feb. 7, respectively.
A resident of Hyde Park, New York, Mr. Kim has honed his musical skills over the years through his work with Betty Jean Hagan of Vassar College and his participation in the summer music programs at Tanglewood and Saratoga Springs. Since coming to Yale, he has studied with School of Music faculty member Kyung Hak Yu.
Although Mr. Kim says he has enjoyed his musical education and the opportunities it has afforded him, he is majoring in economics and math at Yale. "Music has been a big part of my life, but I don't plan to pursue it as a primary career, only possibly as a secondary career," he says, noting that he recently joined the ranks of professional musicians as a member of the New Haven Symphony Orchestra. "I like being involved in the music itself. I like its complexity and expressiveness. The violin is just a channel," explains Mr. Kim, who is considering instead a career as a management consultant or financial analyst.
The program for the YSO's season opener will also include Brahms' Third Symphony and Strauss' "Dance of the Seven Veils." Tickets for the event --
at $3 for students and $5 for nonstudents -- can be purchased at the YSO office in Rm. 304 of Hendrie Hall, 165 Elm St., or at Woolsey Hall beginning at 7 p.m. on the evening of the concert. For more information, call 432-4140.