2020-21 Artist Faculty Appointments
The School of Music is pleased to announce the appointment of oboist Christine Soojin Kim and clarinetists Sangyoon Kim and Jennifer Gerth to the artistic faculty for the 20-21 academic year. “We are excited and fortunate to welcome these two outstanding artist-educators to our school and to the University of Minnesota,” says Michael Kim, Director of the School of Music. "Their performing prowess and commitment to our students will be wonderful additions to our artist faculty."
Christine Soojin Kim will lead the oboe studio while Sangyoon Kim will join continuing artistic faculty member, Jennifer Gerth, to lead the clarinet studio. They are among several faculty appointments announced this fall, including new full-time faculty members Stephanie Arado, violin, and Victoria Vargas, mezzo-soprano.
Oboist Christine Soojin Kim has performed as principal oboe with the Sarasota Orchestra and the Des Moines Metro Opera. In the past, she performed with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, and Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra. She won first prize in the Korea Herald Music Competition and the Baroque Chamber Orchestra solo competition. Her bachelor of music is from Seoul National University, and her MM is from the New England Conservatory. She also earned an artist diploma from the Colburn School.
Sangyoon Kim currently serves as principal clarinet for the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra. He was born in South Korea and studied at the Conservatoire de Paris, where he was the first Korean clarinetist in the school’s history. He then went on to study at Colburn Conservatory in Los Angeles. He has won first prize in several international competitions, including the 67th Prague Spring International Music Competition, the UNISA International Flute and Clarinet Competition, and the Jacques Lancelot International Clarinet Competition. Previously, he has performed with the London Philharmonic, BBC Symphony Orchestra, and The Cleveland Orchestra.
Jennifer Gerth is principal clarinet for the Duluth-Superior Symphony. An active member of the Twin Cities music community, she performs with the Minnesota Orchestra, Minnesota Opera, Mill City Opera, and in various other freelance orchestras. Previously she studied at St. Olaf College, Northwestern University, and University of Minnesota. She has taught at the College of St. Benedict, St. Cloud State University, Concordia College, St. Olaf College and is currently teaching at Augsburg College and the University of St. Thomas.
