Critically acclaimed violist Sang-Jin Kim has been described as “a poised, appealing performer with rock-solid technique, warm, powerful, variable tone and a simple direct expressiveness” (Strings Magazine). A winner of several international solo and chamber music competitions, he tours throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia in more than 70 performances a year. Recent engagements include appearances at the Paris Salle Gaveau, Frankfurt Alte Oper, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, 92nd Street Y, Kennedy Center, Ravinia Festival, and Schoenberg Hall, among others. He was invited to the Marlboro, Aspen and Musicmountain, Rheingau, Villa Musica and Mach-art, Prague Spring, Cervo Festivals, and the International Musician’s Seminar at Prussia Cove.

A former member of the International Sejong Soloists and Kumho Asiana String Quartet, Mr. Kim is frequently featured as a soloist with major symphony orchestras in Korea. He is a founding member of the vibrant M.I.K. Ensemble, celebrated as one of the leading quartets in the classical music scene. Upon receiving the Presidential Award in 2001, one of the highest civilian awards in Korea, he was subsequently designated an Ambassador of Culture in honor of his achievements. Since then, Mr. Kim has performed in many parts of the world, including Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Southern Asia in fulfillment of this duty.

As a recording artist, Mr. Kim has released over 10 albums, including La Viola Romantica, Strings from Heaven, and Brahms Sonatas on Stomp/EMI Records. He is also active as a radio show host on EBS Classical Drive at the Seoul Arts Center 11 AM Concert, and the Lecture Concert Series “Gifts of Music with Sang-Jin Kim.”

Mr. Kim first received musical instruction from his father, who was previously the principal violist of the Linz Bruckner Symphony Orchestra in Austria. He later studied at the Cologne Musik Hochschule in Germany with Rainer Moog and with Samuel Rhodes at the Juilliard School. He is now a professor of viola performance at the Yonsei University in Seoul.