2024 Special Prize Laureate
Eun Sun Kim
CV
B.A. in Composition, Yonsei University
M.A. in Conducting, Yonsei University
Konzertexamen in Conducting, State University of Music and Performing Arts Stuttgart, Germany
Associate Conductor, Teatro Real (Royal Theatre), Spain
Present: Principal Guest Conductor, Houston Grand Opera, USA
Present: Music Director, San Francisco Opera, USA
Reason for Award
Eun Sun Kim is the first Korean to be appointed Music Director of a major opera company. She is also the first Asian female conductor to lead the world-renowned Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra. These achievements highlight her exceptional conducting skills. The classical music outlet Slipped Disc recognized her as the first female and Asian Music Director in the 100-year history of the San Francisco Opera, ranking her as the top female conductor of the year. Her growing international influence promises to inspire many more in the future.
Acceptance speech
First of all, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Kyung-Ahm Education & Culture Foundation, Chairman Ae-Un Jhin, and the late Chairman Geum-Jo Song for establishing the Kyung-Ahm Arts Award and honoring me with this great recognition.
The legendary conductor Herbert von Karajan once said, “I always have two orchestras.” He meant that a conductor must find a delicate balance between the ideal sound imagined in their mind and the actual sound produced on stage. Although a conductor is the only musician who does not produce sound directly, leadership lies in respecting and inspiring the musicians to bring out their very best performance.
Throughout my career, I have often been described as the “first female” or “first Asian female” in various roles. At times, it was uncomfortable to be defined more by my gender than my musicianship. But today, seeing how my leadership motivates many others, I feel grateful and proud to serve as a role model.
Music has the power to evoke memories. A song heard in childhood can bring back not only the sound but also the sights, smells, and feelings of that moment, even decades later. I will continue to dedicate myself to being a conductor who inspires hundreds of musicians and thousands of audiences, creating unforgettable shared moments.
Finally, I would like to sincerely thank Chairman Ae-Un Jhin, Chairman Shin Sang-Chul, and all the esteemed judges. I will strive to uphold the noble spirit of the Kyung-Ahm Foundation and live up to the honor of this award.
Thank you very much.