Chris Kim

Chris Kim serves as the Choi Family Director of Instrumental Music and Resident Professor of Music at Occidental College, where he conducts the Occidental Symphony Orchestra and directs instrumental activities. Appointed in 2019, he brings extensive experience in innovative programming, community engagement, and international collaborations to Oxy's music program.

Education

• Bachelor of Music, Northwestern University
• Master of Music, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
• Training at Juilliard

Professor Kim specializes in orchestral conducting with a particular emphasis on contemporary and underrepresented works. His programming philosophy focuses on musical diversity, having premiered over 250 new orchestral works and consistently featuring compositions by women and diverse composers. His research interests include innovative approaches to music education within liberal arts contexts, cross-cultural musical collaborations, and expanding the orchestral repertoire through contemporary works.

Awards and Recognition

• Adventurous Programming Award from The League of American Orchestras/ASCAP (six times, 2008-2014)
• Multiple awards from The American Prize in various categories

Professor Kim is deeply committed to student mentorship and developing community connections. He has established the Chamber Music program at Oxy, placing composition students within ensembles to create original works tailored to specific musicians. He is developing plans for international touring opportunities with partnerships in Argentina, Taipei, Ireland, and Egypt, and hopes to create mentorship programs connecting Oxy music students with young musicians in the Eagle Rock community. Outside his Oxy responsibilities, Kim serves as cover conductor for the Pacific Symphony and teaches conducting at the Cortona Sessions for New Music each summer.