Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

Kim Walker was born on May 19, 1980, in New York City. She grew up in a family of musicians, with her mother being a pianist and her father a cellist. From a young age, Kim showed a natural talent for music and began playing the piano at the age of four. She later started playing the violin and the viola, which became her primary instrument. Kim attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where she studied under the renowned violist Samuel Rhodes. She graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 2002 and went on to pursue a Master of Music degree at the same institution. During her time at Juilliard, Kim won several awards and competitions, including the Juilliard Concerto Competition and the William Primrose Viola Competition. After completing her studies, Kim began her professional career as a soloist and chamber musician. She quickly gained recognition for her virtuosic playing and expressive interpretations. In 2005, she made her debut with the New York Philharmonic, performing the Walton Viola Concerto under the baton of Lorin Maazel. The performance was widely praised, with The New York Times describing Kim's playing as "dazzling" and "soulful." Kim went on to perform with many other major orchestras, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. She also collaborated with some of the world's most renowned conductors, such as Sir Simon Rattle, Daniel Barenboim, and Zubin Mehta. In addition to her solo career, Kim was an active chamber musician. She was a founding member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center's CMS Two program, which supports young chamber music ensembles. She also performed regularly with the Guarneri Quartet and the Emerson Quartet. Kim was known for her commitment to contemporary music and frequently premiered new works by living composers. She worked closely with composers such as John Adams, Kaija Saariaho, and Thomas Adès, and was a member of the International Contemporary Ensemble. Throughout her career, Kim received numerous awards and accolades. In 2008, she was awarded a prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, commonly known as the "genius grant," which recognizes individuals who have shown exceptional creativity and promise in their field. She was also a recipient of the Avery Fisher Career Grant and the Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award. Tragically, Kim's career was cut short when she passed away on December 30, 2017, at the age of 37. She had been battling breast cancer for several years. Her death was a great loss to the classical music world, and many musicians and fans mourned her passing. In her short but illustrious career, Kim Walker left a lasting impact on the world of classical music. Her virtuosic playing, expressive interpretations, and commitment to contemporary music made her a beloved and respected figure in the field. Her legacy lives on through her recordings and the many musicians she inspired and mentored throughout her career.

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