Texu Kim
“As much as I enjoy the process of composing music, I love to write music that is FUN: fun to perform, fun to listen to, and fun to talk about. To me, musical inspiration comes from everywhere - particularly, everyday experiences, including sports, puzzle game, and food. I also incorporate my memories in South Korea, where its folk culture interacts with foreign influences in very interesting ways.”
Biography
Texu Kim is “one of the most active and visible composers of his generation,” (San Francisco Classical Voice) writing music that’s fun, sophisticated, and culturally-connected. Drawing on his personal affinity for humor, his background in science, and his fascination with everyday experiences, Kim’s work radiates positivity, offering “major-league cuteness” (Broadway World) while demonstrating “surprising scope.” (San Diego Story) As a Korean-American, Kim explores the localization of imported traditions, incorporating cross-cultural elements into his work in “impressive and special” ways, so that “many orchestras and conductors around the world are taking an interest in [his] music.” (KPBS) By highlighting the interaction between folk culture and external influences, Kim creates meaningful depth while maintaining a signature playfulness and exuberance that is both listener friendly and engaging. An impressive roster of international ensembles have programmed Kim’s music, including the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Minnesota Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, New World Symphony, Oregon Symphony, National Orchestra of Korea, Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Ensemble Modern, Alarm Will Sound, Ensemble Reconsil Vienna, New York Classical Players, AsianArt Ensemble Berlin, Ensemble Mise-en, and more. Kim served as the Composer-in-Residence of the Korean Symphony Orchestra (2014-18), and has appeared at numerous festivals, including Yeowoorak Festival, Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival, PyeongChang Music Festival, Bruckner Festival, SONiC Festival, Mizzou International Composers Festival, June in Buffalo, Aspen Music Festival, and Oregon Bach Festival. An assistant professor of music at San Diego State University and frequent collaborator with choreographers, filmmakers, and educators, Kim has received awards and honors from the American Modern Ensemble, Copland House, SCI/ASCAP, and Isang Yun International Composition Prize, in addition to winning a Silver Medal in the 1998 International Chemistry Olympiad. Kim earned his D.M. from Indiana University and prior degrees from Seoul National University.
Jump!
Texu Kim’s piece Jump!! portrays the sheer joy of playing outside (which we have not been able to enjoy fully for the past 14 months!). The beginning of the piece sounds like someone saying “one, two, three … and jump!” The piece develops in unpredictable ways, providing some fun for the audience with pizzicati (plucking strings) and multiple-stop chords that add bounce and extra kick to the music. Jump!! also interweaves intricate triplet-based rhythmic patterns that are common in the folk music of Kim’s native country, Korea. Additionally, hidden in this piece are several variations of a phrase from Beethoven’s Ode to Joy, giving another layer of pleasure (like a scavenger hunt) to the audience.