Bio

Jinhyun Kim, originally hailing from South Korea, is an accomplished cellist whose musical journey has been marked by exceptional achievements and profound artistry. She currently holds the prestigious position of Principal Cellist with the Lansing Symphony Orchestra and serves as the Assistant Principal Cellist with the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. Her musical talents extend further as she collaborates with esteemed ensembles, including the Fort Wayne Philharmonic, Jackson Symphony, and Flint Symphony. Additionally, Jinhyun is a core musician in the mid-Michigan based new music ensemble, "ConTempus Initiative."

Jinhyun's commitment to music goes beyond her performance career. She shares her passion and expertise as a dedicated cello faculty member at the Flint School of Performing Arts and serves as an Adjunct Professor of Cello at Spring Arbor University. Holding a coveted certification from the Suzuki Association of the Americas, Jinhyun is a registered Suzuki teacher, contributing to the development of aspiring musicians. She has also played an instrumental role in audition and competition panels, both for student and professional orchestras, offering her insights and experience to nurture emerging talent.

Jinhyun's musical journey began at the age of eight, laying the foundation for a remarkable career. She earned her Bachelor of Music degree at Ewha Womans University in South Korea, where she took her initial steps in the world of music. Her quest for excellence led her to Michigan State University, where she achieved both her Masters of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees. During her time at MSU, she contributed as a graduate teaching assistant, all while earning recognition through esteemed awards and grants. Notable among her mentors are eminent cellists Sun Yee Chung, Il-Hwan Bae, Natalia Khoma, Wei Yu, and Suren Bagratuni, whose guidance has profoundly enriched her musical journey

Jinhyun's talent has graced renowned stages and garnered acclaim. She marked her musical journey with a debut concert at Kumho Art Hall in Seoul, Korea in 2011. Notably, she had the privilege of participating in a master class with celebrated cellist Yo-Yo Ma at the Fairchild Theater at MSU in November 2013. Her musical prowess was further showcased when she triumphed in the Michigan State University honors competition, leading to a stellar performance as a concerto soloist with the MSU Symphony Orchestra at the Wharton Center in March 2014. This performance was even broadcasted multiple times on 90.5 WKAR (Public Media from Michigan State University).

Jinhyun's musical journey has also taken her to the iconic Carnegie Hall in New York, where she performed twice, for the American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition 2016 Winners Recital and for the first prize winner concert of the 2019 Golden Classical Music Awards.

A remarkable chapter in Jinhyun's career unfolded at the National Orchestral Institute Festival 2016 at the University of Maryland. There, she had the privilege of collaborating with distinguished conductors such as James Ross, Teddy Abrams, and Osmo Vänskä. Her contributions to the National Orchestral Institute Philharmonic's recordings, including Thompson: Symphony No.2, were celebrated by Naxos Records.

Jinhyun's artistry extends beyond traditional orchestral settings. She has been a pivotal figure as the Principal Cellist with Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings, contributing to a performance of Richard Einhorn’s “Voices of Light” at the Detroit Institute of Arts in March 2018. Furthermore, she showcased her soloist abilities as a cellist in the Michigan Opera Theatre's fall 2020 production, "Twilight: Gods." Her performance garnered rave reviews in prominent publications, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Opera News, and The New Yorker.

Jinhyun Kim's dedication to her craft and her significant contributions to the world of classical music are a testament to her unwavering commitment and exceptional talent. Her continued journey promises to be a source of inspiration to musicians and music enthusiasts alike.