Heesoo Kim, Principal Clarinet

Heesoo Kim, a native of South Korea, has been appointed as the Principal Clarinetist of the Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra by the music director Enrique Mazzola in 2023.

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Kim made his debut through the Kumho Prodigy Recitals, by winning the audition organized by the Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation. His prowess as a musician has been recognized through his placement in numerous competitions in South Korea. He was a first prize winner of The Music Education News Competition, The Journal of Music Competition, The Korea Herald Music Competition, and Korean Chamber Music Competition; second prize winner of Busan Music Competition; third prize winner of Dong-A Music Competition. He has also performed in various orchestras, including the KBS Symphony Orchestra and the American Youth Symphony.

In addition to his performances, Kim actively contributes to the musical community through volunteering, having been selected as an artist sponsored by the Hyundai-CMK Foundation.

Kim received his Bachelor's Degree at Kyung Hee University in South Korea and is currently pursuing his Master's Degree at University of Southern California under the tutelage of Yehuda Gilad.