ABOUT BAEK
"HIS MUSICAL NATURE IS PROFOUND, HIS UNDERSTANDING AND ACCEPTANCE OF HERITAGE COMPLETE."
Darrell Rosenbluth
New York Concert Review
Violinist Baek Kim (BK) is a distinguished artist celebrated for his remarkable clarity, masterful control, and emotional depth, captivating audiences on the world’s most prestigious stages. He brings these principles to life in his teaching, whether online or in person, where he is known for ability to break down even the most complex challenges in violin playing with ease.
Baek’s professional journey began at just seven years old when he won the Grand Prize in the junior division of South Korea's renowned Music Monthly Competition. By eight, he was already performing in both Korea and Japan, with notable concerts in Tokyo and Osaka. At nine, he began his studies at The Juilliard School under the mentorship of the legendary Professor Dorothy DeLay. Since then, he has captivated audiences around the globe, gracing esteemed venues such as the Aspen Music Festival, Lincoln Center, and Carnegie Hall. His musical education continued with celebrated violinist Kyung-Wha Chung, as well as esteemed teachers in Germany, including Professor Mihaela Martin in Cologne and Mariana Sirbu in Leipzig. Baek has also participated in prestigious masterclasses with icons like Itzhak Perlman and Rosa Fain, a protégé of David Oistrakh.Among his standout performances is a seven-city tour with the German Nordwestdeutsche Philharmonie, where he delivered a mesmerizing rendition of the Beethoven Violin Concerto for members of the Italian Parliament. His talent shone through during a critically acclaimed debut recital at Carnegie Hall, where New York Concert Review critic Darrell Rosenbluth remarked: "His musical nature is profound, his understanding and acceptance of heritage complete."
In 2008, Baek faced a significant challenge when he was diagnosed with focal dystonia in his left hand. This debilitating condition compelled him to relearn the violin using only three fingers. Despite this setback, he achieved a perfect score in his final performance exam at Leipzig Musikhochschule, earning an automatic invitation to the prestigious Konzertexamen program, which would have paved his way to a teaching career in Germany. Instead, Baek chose to pursue a flourishing dual career.
Today, Baek balances a vibrant professional life both on and off the stage. While working as a data analytics professional for a multi-billion dollar Fortune 500 company, he remains deeply committed to the music world, performing chamber music and running a dedicated violin studio. His students represent a diverse array of backgrounds, including members of top international orchestras, working professionals—like startup founders and registered nurses—and young beginners as young as five.
Baek's journey serves as a testament to the power of embracing change while remaining true to one's passions and talents, whether in music, the corporate world, or both.
Baek plays on a 2004 Stefan-Peter Greiner violin.
EDUCATION
The Juilliard School (Pre-College)
Cologne University of Music and Dance (Vordiplom)
Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln
University of Music and Theatre Leipzig (Bachelor’s)
Hochschule für Musik und Theater „Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy“ Leipzig
