The Korean-born musician takes up his post this month

Dennis_Kim

The Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra has named Dennis Kim as its new concertmaster, following a week-long trial in December 2014, during which the Korean-born violinist led a Sibelius concert and gave a recital for the orchestra. He replaces Michael Ludwig, who departed from his post in spring 2014 to pursue a solo career.

A graduate of the Curtis Institute and the Yale School of Music in the US, Kim has served as concertmaster of the Hong Kong and Seoul Philharmonic Orchestras, and is currently concertmaster of the Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra in Finland. He has also performed as guest concertmaster of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic, Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, and the KBS orchestra in Seoul.

‘In Dennis Kim, the BPO has found a brilliant violinist, a consummate musician and a world-renowned concertmaster,’ said BPO music director JoAnn Falletta. ‘The musicians and I are absolutely delighted that he has accepted the invitation to join our orchestra, and we look forward to welcoming Dennis and his family to their new home in Buffalo.’

Kim's first performance as the orchestra’s concertmaster will take place on 16 September – the opening night of the 2015-16 season, featuring a performance by pianist Lang Lang and music by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov and Glinka.

Photo: Harri Hinka / Tampere Philharmonic Orchestra