Hometown:
Seoul, South Korea
Education:
Korea National University of Arts Bachelor of Music 2023
University of Southern California Master of Music 2025
Bio:
Yoomin Sung is a graduate student of Professor Yehuda Gilad at USC's Thornton School of Music. She recently was a finalist in the ICA Competition and received Honorable Mention in the Vandoren Emerging Artist Competition. An accomplished orchestral musician, Yoomin serves as a substitute with the New World Symphony and has participated in the National Orchestral Institute + Festival and Ravinia Festival under Marin Alsop.
What inspired you to become a musician?
I was drawn to music’s ability to connect, express, and inspire. The clarinet became my voice the moment I produced a sound on my very first try—it felt natural, like it was meant to be.
Name your favorite composers and/or pieces:
One of my all-time favorite pieces is Liszt’s Liebestraum. The piece’s expressive depth and dreamlike quality never fail to move me.
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
Influenced by my mother, an art teacher, I initially pursued the arts before transitioning to the clarinet. This also gave me the opportunity to collaborate with my sister, a pianist.
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
I love to cook, often while listening to K-pop. I also enjoy spending time with my cats, Rico and Leo, who always know how to bring a smile to my face.
Why did you choose the NRO?
The NRO is a distinctive festival where a lot of challenging repertoire is covered in a short period of time, without regular coaching or instruction. This approach encourages the orchestra to come together and take ownership of the pieces, much like a professional orchestra would. The opportunity to work closely with talented peers in such a professional setting aligns perfectly with my long-term goals of refining my orchestral skills and expanding my network within the classical music community. I’m also excited about being in Breckenridge, Colorado, surrounded by its beautiful nature, which will make the experience even more inspiring.