How we have come so far...
In 2018, Ensemble Yeon emerged, brought together by three passionate musicians from Korea: Soprano Yu Jung Bae, Pianist Minji Kwon, and Cellist Yoojung Chang. The name "Yeon" (Korean 연, Simplified Chinese 缘, Yuan) holds profound significance in East Asian culture, encompassing the notions of destiny shaped by one's past and the natural bonds among friends. Inspired by a contemporary Korean art song titled "Yeon" by the living composer Won Joo Lee, which we featured in our debut concert, we decided to name ourselves Ensemble Yeon.
Welcome to the harmonious intersection of our musical destinies and connections.
Mission
Ensemble Yeon beautifully weaves together two distinctive elements: our deep-rooted Korean heritage and our extensive training in classical music. The genesis of this fusion traces back to the enlightening "Korean Art Songs" lecture recital, generously sponsored by the Sejong Institute at the University of Iowa in 2016. This transformative experience expanded our horizons, shaping the foundation of our annual concert programs.
In our 2019 concert, "Old and New," we showcased the richness of Korean poetry through various musical styles. Fast forward to 2021, our performance titled "Sounds of Korea" featured contemporary Korean art songs and two specially commissioned pieces by living Korean composers. Ensemble Yeon stands at the crossroads of tradition and innovation, committed to exploring the harmonious dialogue between Korean cultural heritage and the timeless language of classical music.
Vision
Our 'Our Romantic Spirit' concert series exemplifies the expansion of our initial vision. Committed to embodying the essence of our mission statement, we have dedicated ourselves to crafting diverse chamber music programs that authentically represent our fusion of Korean heritage and classical training.
In a noteworthy instance last summer, we welcomed the internationally acclaimed guitarist Nilko Andreas to collaborate on a program seamlessly blending Korean and Latin American musical influences. Our pursuit in building repertoires and programs is guided by two fundamental objectives: firstly, to present vocal chamber music that educates and captivates our audience, and secondly, to provide ourselves with opportunities for continuous challenge and growth. Join us on this artistic journey as we strive to create performances that are both enriching and transformative.
Meet the Founders
Soprano Yu Jung Bae, praised by New York arts magazine Soundwordsight for her outstanding and velvety tone, has graced collaborative recitals across the United States, Korea, Italy, Mexico, and Vietnam. A notable presence in operatic scenes, she recently showcased her talent in various roles with the Hudson River Opera in NYC. Invited to recital series sponsored by Sejong Institute at the University of Iowa since 2016, Dr. Bae is a regular performer alongside renowned pianist David Oei for his chamber concert series. Her passion for chamber music and song literature led her to co-found Ensemble Yeon, resulting in performances across New York City, Iowa City, Orlando, and Marshall, Minnesota. This series, exploring diverse repertoires and cultures, has gained recognition from colleges and institutions seeking programs infused with a rich blend of culture and music. With a Bachelor's degree from Ewha Woman’s University, a Master's from the Manhattan School of Music, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Hartt School, University of Hartford, Dr. Bae is well-versed in her craft. Having served as a faculty member at Southwest Minnesota State University in 2017-2018, she currently teaches at William Paterson University in New Jersey and Theology Seminary of New York as an adjunct faculty. Notably, she is also a faculty member of SUNY Stony Brook and Queens College, CUNY, serving as an adjunct lecturer. Dr. Bae's popular lecture, "Korean Popular Music in Global and Local Context," at William Paterson University exemplifies her commitment to expanding music education into broader academic horizons. Additionally, as a licensed NY state music teacher, she expands her pedagogical impact, nurturing the next generation of musicians with dedication and expertise.
Korean-born pianist Dr. Minji Kwon, renowned as a versatile collaborator, educator, and musician, received the prestigious Ambassadorial Scholarship from the Rotary Foundation to pursue studies in the United States. Her academic journey included a DMA at the University of Iowa, where she was honored with the Iowa Performance Fellowship. While pursuing her Master's degree in Collaborative Piano at New York University, Dr. Kwon also served as an Adjunct Professor, contributing to her multifaceted musical expertise. She has left an indelible mark on the international stage with performances in iconic venues such as Seoul, London, Prague, Mexico City, Chicago, Orlando, and New York City. Her distinguished venues include the Stern Auditorium and the Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall, as well as esteemed institutions like the Juilliard School, New York University, Columbia University, Western Michigan University, University of Michigan, University of Florida, and Drake University. In 2019, Dr. Kwon collaborated with oboist Courtney Miller for the CD "Portuguese Perspectives" and toured in Germany. Her DMA degree from the University of Iowa included a recording project featuring solo piano works by Croatian female composer Dora Pejačević. As a co-founder of Ensemble Yeon, Dr. Kwon extended her musicianship to chamber music, exploring diverse musical languages alongside other talented chamber musicians. Her exceptional versatility as a chamber musician garnered recognition, particularly through the Ensemble Yeon series recitals in NYC, Iowa City, Orlando, Minnesota, and beyond. Having served as an organist at Iowa City First United Methodist Church and a staff pianist for the University of Iowa, Dr. Kwon's profound musical journey continues to inspire audiences and fellow musicians alike.