Schubert Club appoints Kyu-Young Kim as artistic and executive director

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Schubert Club in Minnesota has announced the appointment of violinist Kyu-Young Kim as its new artistic and executive director. Kim succeeds Barry Kempton, who led Schubert Club since 2012.

Kim takes on the role having previously served as artistic director and principal violin of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO). His final performances with SPCO will take place from 12 to 14 June.

Schubert Club said it was ‘thrilled’ to appoint Kim, saying that he brings ’a rare combination of distinguished musicianship and proven executive leadership’ to the organisation.

Kim also said he was ’thrilled’ at his appointment at Schubert Club, ’one of the nation’s finest classical music presenting organisations, and a true community asset.

’What drew me to the role was the organisation’s incredible legacy of presenting some of the world’s most exciting artists, alongside their commitment to pushing the boundaries of the art form through new series like Schubert Club Mix.

’Honouring the past while also charting new ground aligns so well with my own artistic values, and I’m excited to lead the Schubert Club in its next chapter.’

Schubert Club’s board president Ann Juergens said, ’With his innovative artistic vision and years of administrative experience, Kyu-Young Kim is the ideal leader for this important time in Schubert Club’s history.

’He is an internationally known musician with deep Minnesota roots, who understands Schubert Club’s extraordinary strengths and appreciates the diverse communities we serve. I am confident he will cultivate our growth in new and transformative ways.’

Outside of his work at the SPCO, Kim has had a varied career as a chamber musician, orchestral leader and educator. He was a founding member of the Daedalus Quartet with which he won the Grand Prize at the 2001 Banff International String Quartet Competition and a former member of the Pacifica Quartet, winners of the Naumburg Chamber Music Award.

Kim has also served as guest concertmaster of the Pittsburgh Symphony and the Minnesota Orchestra, as guest principal second violin of the Houston Symphony, and is an emeritus member of the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra.

Kim is on the violin faculty of the University of Minnesota School of Music and has held guest masterclasses in violin and chamber music throughout the United States and Canada, including recent residencies at the Curtis Institute of Music.