Young Whun Kim

Young Whun Kim, a native of South Korea, is a highly accomplished pianist renowned for his captivating performances as a soloist, chamber musician, and collaborative artist. With a career that has flourished in both the United States and South Korea, Kim's musical journey began at the age of 6 when he started his piano studies. 

In 2008, Kim crossed continents to the United States to further his musical education at the prestigious Jacobs School of Music, Indiana University. Under the guidance of Shigeo Neriki, Kim continued to refine his artistry, and in 2010, he earned his Master of Music. Continuing his relentless pursuit of excellence, Kim is currently pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts in piano performance and literature at the University of Illinois, under the tutelage of renowned artists Ian Hobson and Timothy Ehlen. His passion for collaborative piano has led him to study with the distinguished Dennis Helmrich. 

As a devoted chamber musician and collaborative pianist, Kim's artistry has graced numerous vocal recitals and chamber music concerts. His talent and dedication have earned him opportunities to perform in guest artist recitals at esteemed institutions such as DePaul University, Ball State University, Butler University, and Grand Valley State University. Additionally, Kim has had the privilege to work alongside acclaimed musicians such as Janos Starker, Mark Kaplan, Ik-Hwan Bae, and Teresa Kubiak as a studio pianist. Enriching his musical journey, Kim has participated in chamber music masterclasses conducted by world-class musicians such as Gil Shaham, Janos Starker, and Renee Fleming. Furthermore, Kim has generously shared his expertise as an opera coach in the Chamber Opera Association in Seoul, South Korea. 

Kim has achieved several significant milestones in his career, including winning the UISO Concerto Competition with a mesmerizing performance of Brahms' Piano Concerto No.1 in D minor, accompanied by the University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, he impressed audiences with his rendition of Beethoven's Choral Fantasy, Op. 80 alongside the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra. Besides his performances, Kim has also demonstrated his expertise as a judge for the Midwest National Chamber Music Competition.