2015 Open Stage - Yoojin Park Quintet
Thursday, April 30, 2015 at 7PM
Korean Cultural Service New York
“Poise and purity ooze from Park during this engaging program. West End is satisfying as it is, presenting an artist who's well on her way.”
-All About Jazz
“A new Jazz violinist appears like a beacon. “West End” is not only a debut, it is a herald that someone wonderful has arrived in the Jazz world.”
-Jazz Times
Part Ⅰ Dancing Blossom
Part Ⅱ It Aint Necessailry So
Part Ⅲ West End
Part Ⅳ Arirang (Korean folk song)
Part Ⅴ Yamaha Groove
Part Ⅵ 12/8 Blues
Part Ⅶ Up Jumped Spring
Yoojin Park will perform with her quintet (Saxophone, Piano, bass and drums) and the program will be based on her album “West End” which includes original pieces, arranged jazz standards and Korean traditional folk pieces. Park’s music, “West End” will provide audience with swinging scenarios, soulful numbers, mellow environments, and spirited episodes with jazz violin sounds.
ARTIST BIOS
Yoojin Park / Violinist
Yoojin Park was born in Seoul, Korea and began playing piano at the early age of three and violin at the age of four. Her classically trained pianist mother and her music-loving IBMer father encouraged and nurtured Yoojin’s love for music at a young age. She started the competition
circuit with a second prize at the 1988 Hankookilbo Violin Competition at the age of 7. Since then, she has eagerly studied and performed classical violin for 20 years, winning numerous competitions in Korea.
In addition to her love for classical music, she also pursued a Diploma in Jazz Violin Performance from Berklee College of Music in 2009 and a Master’s in Jazz Performance from Queens College in 2011. 2013 was an exciting year for her as she signed with Universal Music International and released her debut album, “West End”. This album showcases five of her original pieces and 4 arranged standards. She also worked with well-known musicians such as producer Antonio Hart, bassist Lonnie Plaxico, drummer Montez Coleman, Pianist Victor Gould and Alto Saxophonist Godwin Louis. This opportunity has allowed her to shine and share her music with others. She is currently teaching at NJ Symphony Orchestra and has performed and taught the violin at the University Heights Charter School in Newark.