The first weekend of the Minnesota Sinfonia’s Summer Concert Series will feature South-Korean-born violinist Hye-Jin Kim, winner of the 2009 Concert Artists Guild International Competition. Kim will perform with the Sinfonia in two free-admission concerts beginning June 24, 7:00 p.m. at Lake Phalen Regional Park Amphitheater, 1600 Phalen Drive, St. Paul. The poor weather alternate site is First Covenant Church, 1280 Arcade Street, St. Paul.
Kim will perform again Friday, June 25, 7:30 p.m. at Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 West Lake Harriet Pkwy, Minneapolis.
Both concerts are free-admission and children are welcome to attend. Audiences should arrive early – all concerts are first-come, first-seated. Audiences are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.
During the Minnesota Sinfonia concerts in June, Kim will perform “Spring” from Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” and “Gypsy Air” by Pablo de Sarasate. Other works on the program include Haydn’s “Surprise Symphony” and Johannes Brahms’ “Hungarian Dances Numbers 5 & 6.”
Hye-Jin Kim, 24, already showed exceptional musical talent she entered the renowned Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia at age 14. Since then, she has played for audiences in countries around the world, including the U.S., England, Russia, Germany and South Korea.
She won the Kay H. Logan Chamber Music Award in 2001 and took first prize in the Yehudi Menuhin International Violin Competition in London in 2004. Most recently, Kim won the 2009 Concert Artists Guild International Competition.
The Summer Concert Series, now in its eighth season, is a series of classical concerts offered by the Minnesota Sinfonia in popular and accessible outdoor venues throughout the Twin Cities. Featuring outstanding and well-known guest soloists, programs include popular classical repertoire. All concerts are free and open to children.
More information is available at www.mnsinfonia.org or 612-871-1701.
The Minnesota Sinfonia Family Pops Concert will also perform on Sunday, June 13, 7:00 p.m. at Caponi Art Park, 1220 Diffley Road, Eagan. The event is free and children are welcome. Bring your own lawn chair. The alternate rain date is July 11, 7:00 p.m.
The Sinfonia will also perform Sunday, June 20, 2:00 p.m. at the Minnesota Zoo, 13000 Zoo Blvd, Apple Valley. The event is included with paid admission to the Zoo.
The Sinfonia will also perform Monday, June 21, Noon, at Northrop Mall, University of Minnesota campus, 84 Church Street SE, Minneapolis. The event is free and children are welcome. Bring your own lawn chair.