Joyce Noh, a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s second violin section, retired on June 30, 2025, after 46 years of service. Noh began her professional career in 1977 as a member of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra before joining the Chicago Symphony in 1979. She was appointed by eighth music director Sir Georg Solti and was the first Asian woman to join the CSO. Across her distinguished tenure, Noh participated in 43 international tours, including the Orchestra’s first tours to Australia, Russia and South America, as well as many U.S. tours before making her final tour with the Orchestra to Europe in 2024 with Riccardo Muti.
Noh’s first teacher was her mother, Yeonok Lee, in Seoul, South Korea, one of the first female violinists hired to play in the Seoul Philharmonic. Noh went on to receive extraordinary support from the novelist and humanitarian Pearl S. Buck, who invited her to the United States in 1968, offering a full music scholarship. She attended the New School of Music in Philadelphia as a student of Jascha Brodsky, who was also her mentor. Noh also attended the Juilliard School, where she studied with Ivan Galamian before pursuing additional studies with Felix Galimir and Robert Mann.
She performed with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra as a soloist and has been featured in recitals and chamber music concerts across the United States. A dedicated educator, Noh has more than 30 years of teaching experience and has mentored young musicians who have gone on to top music schools and professional careers. Noh regularly participated in the CSO Chamber Music series, including performances as part of the longtime series in Fullerton Hall at the Art Institute of Chicago. She was also a member of CSO ensembles that performed in Chicago area schools, as well as at various community organizations for seniors and those with disabilities in support of music education and community engagement activities.
Reflecting on her career, Noh said, “I have incredible memories of making music with my wonderful colleagues in the Orchestra over so many years and in concert halls across the country and around the world. When I joined the Orchestra there were only a few women but now there are many more who bring their exceptional artistry into our performances. Seeing that change in the ensemble has been very rewarding. I also feel grateful to have had the opportunity to share music with young people in classrooms and in the CSO’s school and family concerts. Music is important for everyone, and I’m glad I could be part of this.”
Following her time in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Joyce Noh looks forward to new opportunities to continue inspiring concert audiences and young musicians alike while enjoying more time connecting with her three children and four grandchildren and traveling to some of her favorite places.
