Performances + Events
Faculty Recital: Ji Yung Lee, Piano
Jordan Hall
by Robert Schumann, Helen Grime, Thomas Kotcheff, and Grażyna Bacewicz.
The program also features a song created by mothers in Kenya as part of the Every
Mother Has a Song project.
PROGRAM
Helen Grime (b. 1981)
Bright Travellers (2017)
Sydney Pexton, soprano
I. Soundings
II. Brew
III. Visitations
IV. Milk Fever
V. Council Offices
Grażyna Bacewicz (1909-1969)
Sonata No. 4 for violin and piano (1949)
intermission
Thomas Kotcheff (b.1988)
Both, and more
Sydney Pexton, soprano
The Joy of Being a Mother
Words and music created by mothers in Maya, Kenya
from the Every Mother Has a Song project by Mtree (2026)
Video presentation
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
Frauenliebe und -leben
Sarah Heltzel, mezzo-soprano
I. Seit ich ihn gesehen
II. Er, der Herrlichste von allen
III. Ich kann's nicht fassen, nicht glauben
IV. Du Ring an meinem Finger
V. Helft mir, ihr Schwestern
VI. Süßer Freund, du blickest
VII. An meinem Herzen, an meiner Brust
VIII. Nun hast du mir den ersten Schmerz getan
Artist(s)
Hailed by Gramophone for her “beautiful playing” and “intimate internal dialogues,” Ji Yung Lee has made appearances at renowned venues such as Alice Tully Hall, Carnegie Weill Hall, and John F. Kennedy Center. She has collaborated with internationally acclaimed instrumentalists and singers, including Jordan Bak, Stephen Costello, Chad Hoopes, Laurence Lesser, Barry Shiffman, Andrew Staples, and Danbi Um. She has also captivated audiences via numerous radio broadcasts including WQXR, MPR, and WFMT.
Lee’s passion for vocal music has been a significant part of her musical journey. She has worked with Boston Lyric Opera, Victory Hall Opera, Boston Arts Song Society, Korea Chamber Opera Festival, Juilliard’s Drama division, and Amelia Island Opera. She has served as a conducting fellow at the Pehlivanian Opera Academy and as a vocal piano fellow at various festivals such as the Music Academy of the West, Aspen Music Festival and School, SongFest, and the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival.
In addition to her extensive vocal repertoire, Lee is enthusiastic about instrumental chamber music. She has been invited to perform at the Rockport Chamber Music Festival, Ashmont Hill Chamber Music, Dame Myra Hess Concert Series, and Harriman-Jewell Series. Additionally, she has a passion for mentoring and playing for young musicians at recitals and music festivals, such as Morningside Music Bridge. She has served as a staff pianist both at The Juilliard School and New England Conservatory and as an official pianist for the Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect auditions.
Believing in music as a powerful tool of communication, Ji Yung Lee is the director of Mtree’s Sing with Hope program for children and teenagers in Kilifi, Kenya supporting them through their journey of self-discovery and emotional growth.
