Heesoo Kim

Heesoo Kim, a native of South Korea, was appointed Principal Clarinet of the Lyric Opera of Chicago Orchestra by Music Director Enrique Mazzola in 2023.

As an orchestral musician, Kim has performed with the Grant Park Orchestra in the United States, as well as with the KBS Symphony Orchestra and numerous other orchestras in South Korea.

Kim made his debut through the Kumho Prodigy Recital Series after being selected through an audition held by the Kumho Cultural Foundation, one of South Korea’s leading organizations dedicated to discovering and supporting young classical musicians. He has received numerous honors in South Korea, including first prizes at the Music Education News, Journal of Music, Korea Herald, and Korean Chamber Music competitions, second prize at the Busan Music Competition, and third prize at the Dong-A Music Competition.

Kim was also named a sponsored artist by the Hyundai Motor Foundation, which supports emerging artists through scholarships, mentorship, and performance opportunities.

Committed to music education, Kim has presented multiple masterclasses at the DePaul University School of Music, working with the next generation of clarinetists.

Kim received his bachelor’s degree from Kyung Hee University in South Korea and is currently pursuing his master’s degree at the University of Southern California, where he studies with Yehuda Gilad.