Texu Kim

Texu Kim (김택수, b.1980, he/him) is “one of the most active and visible composers of his generation” (San Francisco Classical Voice), writing fun, sophisticated, and culturally connected music. Drawing on his affinity for humor, his background in science, and his fascination with modern folk cultures, Kim’s work radiates positivity with “surprising scope.” (San Diego Story) Kim served as the Composer-in-Residence of the Korean National Symphony Orchestra in 2014-16. Additionally, an impressive roster of international ensembles has programmed Kim’s music like the New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Opera Orchestra, Minnesota Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, Oregon Symphony Orchestra, San Diego Symphony, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Oakland Symphony, Grant Park Symphony Orchestra, New World Symphony, New York Youth Symphony, Portland Youth Philharmonic, Philharmonia, National Orchestra of Korea, Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, Busan Philharmonic Orchestra, Ensemble Intercontemporain, Ensemble Modern, Alarm Will Sound, Sejong Soloists, New York Classical Players, Ensemble Reconsil Vienna, Mendelssohn Chorus of Philadelphia, C4: Choral Composer-Conductor Collective, Cardinal Singers, Ensemble Mise-En, Fear No Music, Collage New Music, San Diego New Music, and the Verona Quartet. Kim is an associate professor at San Diego State University, where he was named one of the six 2023 Presidential Research Faculty Fellows. He has also received awards and honors from the Barlow Prize, Civitella Ranieri Foundation, Copland House, SCI/ASCAP, Ilshin Composition Prize, and Isang Yun International Composition Prize, in addition to winning a Silver Medal in the 1998 International Chemistry Olympiad. He earned his D.M. from Indiana University and prior degrees from Seoul National University.