Youngji Kim joins the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s first violin section in June of 2026. Youngji Kim previously served as a member of the Cleveland Orchestra, where she received tenure in 2024. Prior to that she was a member of the Minnesota Orchestra, having won an audition in 2022. She also won an audition with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra.
An active orchestral and solo performer, Kim has appeared with ensembles including Yale Philharmonia, New Haven Symphony Orchestra, Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Aspen Conducting Academy Orchestra and Korean Symphony Orchestra. As a soloist, she has performed with the Korean Symphony Orchestra, KBS Symphony Orchestra, Seoul National University Symphony Orchestra and Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra, and she has given solo recitals at venues such as Kumho Art Hall and Gyeonggi Arts Center. She was also invited to perform in the String Showcase at the Aspen Music Festival and School. Kim has received numerous awards, including top prizes at international competitions such as the HKGNA International Music Competition. She was also selected as a Kumho Young Artist.
Youngji Kim holds a master of music degree from Yale School of Music, where she studied with Ani Kavafian, and a bachelor of music degree from Seoul National University, where she studied with Ju-Young Baek and Hyuk Joo Kwon.
