This program is a piano recital featuring three pieces that capture the warmth and vitality of spring. Beethoven’s Sonata Op. 14 No. 2 begins with bright and lively melodies, heralding the fresh start of a spring day. Chopin’s Scherzo No. 2 follows, expressing the dynamic energy of spring through intense and passionate themes. Finally, Schumann’s Carnaval completes the performance with rich emotions and characters, evoking the diverse festivities of spring.

Born in Seoul, Kate Munkyung Kim began playing the piano at the age of 4 and gave her first solo recital at 8. She earned multiple awards in national competitions, including the National Teenager piano competition and Korea Music Journal piano competition. Ms. Kim received her Bachelor of Music degree from the Ewha Womans University in Korea in 2006, her Master of Music degree from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University in 2008 under Alexander Shtarkman, and her Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Maryland in 2013 under Larissa Dedova. Her doctoral dissertation A Survey of Russian Music for Piano: Absolute Music and Program Music from Mussorgsky to Prokofiev, reflects her deep focus on Russian piano music.

Dr. Kim has performed in renowned venues worldwide, including Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall; Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.; Berlin Philharmonic Chamber Hall in Berlin; Kuenstler Haus in Munich; Scriabin museum Concert Hall in Moscow; Gildenhorn Hall and Dekelboum Hall of Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center in Maryland; Miriam Friedberg Hall, Goodwin Hall, Cohen-Davison Theater, and Griswold Hall in Baltimore; Ewon Cultural Center, Mozart Hall, Seoul Arts Center, and Sejong Arts Center in Seoul. She has also appeared as a soloist with the Bulgarian National Radio Symphony Orchestra under conductor Rossen Milanov and New Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, and has collaborated in chamber music and piano duo performances.

Dr. Kim has participated in master classes and festivals with esteemed artists such as Leon Fleisher, Gyorgy Sandor who trained under Bartok, Marc Silverman, Noel Lee, Yuri Bogdanov, and Igor Chystokletov. Her teaching career includes positions at Sunhwa Arts School and Kyewon Arts School in Korea.

Currently, She resides in Newton with her husband and two sons, continuing her career as a performer and educator.