Role

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Composer Performer

Birth

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1971 in Seoul, South Korea

 

Kyong Mee Choi is a Korean-American composer who has made a significant impact on the world of contemporary classical music. Born in Seoul, South Korea, in 1963, Choi began her musical journey at a young age. She started playing the piano when she was just five years old and quickly developed a passion for music. Her parents recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue a career in music. Choi's family moved to the United States when she was 12 years old, and she continued her musical education there. She studied piano and composition at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she earned her Bachelor of Music degree. She then went on to earn her Master of Music degree in composition from the University of Michigan. Choi's early works were heavily influenced by her Korean heritage. She was fascinated by the traditional music of Korea and incorporated elements of it into her compositions. Her early works were characterized by their use of Korean instruments and traditional Korean melodies. One of Choi's most significant works from this period is her composition "Korean Gayageum Sanjo." This piece is a solo work for the gayageum, a traditional Korean stringed instrument. The piece is based on the traditional Korean sanjo form, which is a type of instrumental music that features improvisation. Choi's composition is a modern take on this traditional form, incorporating elements of contemporary classical music into the piece. As Choi's career progressed, she began to explore new musical styles and techniques. She became interested in electronic music and began incorporating electronic elements into her compositions. Her works from this period are characterized by their use of electronic sounds and textures. One of Choi's most significant works from this period is her composition "The Eternal Tao." This piece is a multimedia work that combines live performance with electronic sounds and video. The piece is based on the Tao Te Ching, a Chinese philosophical text, and explores the themes of balance and harmony. Choi's later works continued to push the boundaries of contemporary classical music. She became interested in the intersection of music and science and began incorporating scientific concepts into her compositions. Her works from this period are characterized by their use of complex mathematical structures and scientific themes. One of Choi's most significant works from this period is her composition "Subtle Bodies." This piece is a multimedia work that combines live performance with electronic sounds and video. The piece is based on the concept of subtle bodies, which are the non-physical aspects of the human body according to Eastern philosophy. The piece explores the relationship between the physical and non-physical aspects of the human body and incorporates elements of quantum physics into the composition. Choi's works have been performed by some of the world's leading ensembles and performers, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Kronos Quartet. She has received numerous awards and honors for her work, including the Guggenheim Fellowship and the Fromm Music Foundation Commission. In addition to her work as a composer, Choi is also a respected educator. She has taught at a number of universities, including the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of Chicago, and the University of California, Santa Barbara.

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