Dr. Jong Kim, professor of music and director of choral activities at University of Lynchburg, has been chosen to serve as the artistic director and principal conductor of the Incheon City Chorale, one of the top professional choirs in the world.
Known for its extraordinary musicality, the Incheon City Chorale consists of 50 full-time professional singers. The chorale is a frequent performer at the American Choral Directors Association conventions and has performed throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States. The group’s diverse repertoire and showmanship include brilliant harmony and original stage presentation. Dr. Kim has guest conducted the group twice, most recently in May.
Dr. Kim will replace Professor Hak-Won Yoon, known as the most important Korean conductor of his generation and the father of Korean choral music. “It is a high honor to be chosen for this position,” Dr. Kim said. He will begin work with choir in August.
The position requires a minimum two-year commitment, and Dr. Kim plans to return to University of Lynchburg and resume his teaching responsibilities at the end of that time. Dr. Kim said, “I am excited to spend my sabbatical leave and a year of leave from teaching to work with this outstanding choir. I believe this exposure will help to recruit music students to our music program, especially to our graduate choral conducting program. It is my plan to come back to University of Lynchburg in two years and continue to teach until I retire. I am humbled and honored to have University of Lynchburg’s endorsement in this monumental professional opportunity.”
Dr. Kim teaches advanced music theory and voice as well as graduate conducting courses and serves as program director of the MA in Music Program. He is the founding director of the University of Lynchburg Choral Union and directs the LC Concert Choir. He has been a guest conductor for many professional, community, and high school honor choirs and orchestras in the United States and Asia.