NEW MUSIC FOR CLARINET

More than 50 new works have been dedicated to or commissioned/premiered by Wonkak Kim. Many of these works became important addition to the standard clarinet repertoire over the years. Here are some notable examples that came as a result of Kim’s collaboration with the composers.

Ongoing Commissions

Duo Piece for Clarinet and Piano (2022) by Juri Seo (Associate Professor of Composition, Princeton University)

Duo Piece for Clarinet and Piano (2022) by Eunseon Yu (South Korea)

New Clarinet Piece (2022) by Caroline Kyunga Ahn (Faculty and Artist in Residence, Anderson University)

New Clarinet Work (2022) by Jiyoun Chung

Nocturne for Clarinet and Piano (2021) by David Crumb (Professor of Composition, University of Oregon)

Quintet for Clarinet and Strings (2018) by Peter Lieuwen (Professor of Composition, Texas A&M University)

Recent/Notable World Premieres

Circus Suite for Clarinet, Violin, Cello, and Piano (2019) by SiHyun Uhm with enhake

Abgang and Kaddish for Clarinet, Violin, Cello, and Piano (2019) by Ellen Taaffe Zwilich with enhake

Blush for Solo Clarinet (2018) by Jean Ahn

Scenery of Sky for Clarinet and Two Gayageums (2018) by Hyunjung Ahn

A Beautiful Polonaise for Clarinet and Piano (2018) by Hyunjung Ahn

Bright River for Clarinet and Piano (2014) by Peter Lieuwen

Wintry Moments for Woodwind Quintet (2014) by Yoomi Paick with Cumberland Quintet

Redeo Queen of Heaven for Clarinet, Violin, Cello, and Piano (2010) by Libby Larsen with enhake

RETRACING MY ROOT

My recent efforts have been centered around creating new works in collaboration with Korean composers and performers from both Korean traditional music and Western contemporary schools. The creative synergy from such collaboration allowed me to commission over a dozen new works for clarinet with mix of standard Western instruments and Korean traditional instruments, working extensively with composers from diverse backgrounds to discover novel voice, texture, playing technique, and soundscape. Rather than simply playing folk melodies and tunes on Western instruments or using post-tonal serial abstraction to accommodate Eastern philosophy, my goal is to achieve genuine artistic fusion of the two traditions at fundamental level through greater involvement of performers and listeners in the compositional process. The fusion in this case is not the end goal, but rather a vehicle to expand creative possibilities. The successful result should not solely rely on showcasing exotic instruments or fascinating timbres, but creating entirely unique but natural “new music.” 

EXPLORING THE CLARINET QUINTET AS A DISTINCT GENRE

Inspired by my former teacher and mentor Prof. Donald Oehler, who has compiled hundreds of works written for the clarinet and string quartet (a full database is available here), I thoroughly enjoy exploring this unique and incredible genre, encompassing classical period to modern times. I have been fortunate to collaborative with some of today’s most exciting young string quartets, performing standard clarinet quintets by Mozart (the work I played more than 50 times to date!) and Brahms as well as lesser known works from the past and new masterworks by living composers. I recorded Stephan Krehl’s Clarinet Quintet (often considered as a lost gem) with Larchmere String Quartet for Naxos and played Leo Wurmser’s Clarinet Quintet at Donald Oehler’s lecture at the International ClarinetFest (Orlando, FL) for the first time in the US. I look forward to a lifelong collaboration with both old and new string quartet friends to perform and record the vast repertoire of the clarinet quintets.

Full performance video of Mozart Clarinet Quintet, K. 581 with the Grammy-winning Attacca Quartet at Center Stage Series, TN

CHAMBER ENSEMBLES

Kim-Choi Duo is a husband-wife duo that plays the full range of classical and modern repertoires. Showcasing their impeccable ensemble and critically acclaimed artistry, they have performed throughout the USA, Europe, and South Korea. Together, they released the well-received CD, Fraçois Deveinne: Clarinet Sonatas (NAXOS). Kim-Choi Duo actively commissions new works for clarinet and piano, and they are set to publish additional CDs featuring new music.

Possessing a knack for adventurous yet accessible programming, enhakē (in-HA-kee) has consistently distinguished itself with performances of startling intensity. Drawing its name from the Seminole (Creek) word for sound or call, enhakē has been praised for its “playing of the very highest caliber” (Fanfare) and “keen instinct for exciting programmes” (BBC Music Magazine). Their 2010 Carnegie Hall recital Made in Americawas lauded for its "rock solid rhythmic integrity...strengths in balance, intonation, and musicality” and described as a “polished, yet spontaneous performance" (The New York Concert Review).

Oregon Wind Quintet is a faculty ensemble-in-residence at the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance. Recently, OWQ held a residency in Texas A&M University with distinguished composers such as Eric Ewazen and Peter Lieuwen and at the Oregon Bach Festival Composers Symposium, premiering new intercultural compositions. The group also toured South Korea performing multiple concerts and giving master classes at universities in Seoul, Daejeon, and Daegu. Oregon Wind Quintet is a member of the Breathe Collective, whose “goal is to engage underrepresented and marginalized composers in the creation of new works for winds that highlight the significance of breath within a cultural narrative around systemic racism, police brutality against the black community, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

OREGON CLARINET SYMPOSIUM

Dr. Wonkak Kim is the founder and Artistic Director of the annual Oregon Clarinet Symposium and Young Artist Competition. The Symposium brings world-class clarinet artists, teachers, students, and vendors to Eugene, OR for two full days of activities. Please visit the Oregon Clarinet Symposium website for upcoming symposiums and more information on how to participate.