About Clara
Adventure and collaboration are at the heart of violinist Clara Kim’s dynamic career as a performer, chamber musician, and educator. Recognized internationally as a leading interpreter of contemporary music, she is acclaimed for her bold programming and dedication to championing the work of living composers.
Championing Today’s Composers
Clara has commissioned and premiered countless works by established, emerging, and student composers, bringing fresh voices into the violin repertoire. Her collaborators include Katherine Balch, Christopher Cerrone, Stephen Hartke, Leilehua Lanzilotti, George Lewis, Andrew Norman, Roger Reynolds, Kaija Saariaho, Juri Seo, Christopher Theofanidis, and Augusta Read Thomas, among many others.
Her commissioning work has been supported by organizations such as Chamber Music America, The Koussevitzky Foundation, New Music USA, Concert Artists Guild, and Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts.
Performances & Recognition
Clara has appeared at leading venues worldwide, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall, Merkin Hall, Jordan Hall, and Het Concertgebouw in Amsterdam.
She is the recipient of the St. Botolph Club Foundation Emerging Artist Award and a first prize winner of the Cremona Solo Violin Competition. As a member of the Argus Quartet, she also won first prize at the M-Prize Chamber Arts Competition and the Concert Artists Guild Competition.
Collaborations
A passionate chamber musician, Clara was a founding member and longtime executive director of the Argus Quartet during its first decade. She now performs and leads with ensembles including A Far Cry, Talea Ensemble, and the American Composers Orchestra.
Educator & Mentor
Clara is dedicated to education and community engagement. She directs Midori’s Orchestra Residencies Program, coaching and performing alongside violinist Midori to inspire the next generation of musicians.
She has taught in residencies at Princeton University, Yale University, and the Boston Conservatory, and serves as faculty at summer programs such as the Atlantic Music Festival, Greenwood Music Camp, Interlochen Violin Institute, and the Pacific Music Institute.
Training
Clara holds degrees from Tufts University (English Literature), the New England Conservatory, the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague, and The Juilliard School, as well as a doctorate from the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music.
Biography for Presenters
Official artist biography, available for download as PDF