Three Kumho Foundation Alumni Appointed to Top Orchestras in Germany and the U.S.
Creatrip Team
a month ago
Kumho Cultural Foundation announced that three alumni of its talent programs have secured prominent positions in major international orchestras. Violinist Ji Sang-hee (36), a Kumho Young Artist alum, was appointed principal first violin (tenured) of the Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne after a one-year probation following her 2025 audition; she praised the orchestra’s deep, dense sound and collaborative ensemble. Violinist Kim Young-ji (30), a Kumho Young Artist graduate, won a tenured principal first violin post with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra after an eight-month probation and said she is honored to join the long-admired ensemble. Violist Cho So-young (28), also from Kumho’s programs, was named associate principal viola of the Los Angeles Philharmonic (based at Walt Disney Concert Hall) after trial performances under conductor Gustavo Dudamel; her permanent appointment will be determined after about a year. All three debuted in Kumho concerts in their teens and trained at top conservatories (including Curtis and Yale). Their appointments mark notable international successes for Korean-trained musicians.
