UW Guest Duo Recital to Feature Trombonist and Pianist April 1

The University of Wyoming Department of Music presents a compelling duo recital featuring trombonist Hojun Kim and pianist Minhae Lee Wednesday, April 1, at 7:30 p.m. in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts recital hall.

This free, public performance promises an expansive journey through the trombone repertoire, spanning over 300 years of musical evolution -- from the Baroque precision of the 18th century to a world-inspired contemporary premiere.

The program highlights the seamless synergy between Kim’s lyrical brass technique and Lee’s nuanced pianism. The evening opens with Tomaso Albinoni’s “Concerto in A minor, Op. 9, No. 2.” Originally written for oboe in 1722, this transcription challenges the trombonist to navigate Baroque agility and ornamentation, particularly in the expressive Adagio movement.

Transitioning into the 20th century, the duo will perform Joseph Jongen’s “Aria et Polonaise,” a work known for its late-Romantic flair, followed by Stjepan Šulek’s monumental “Sonata Vox Gabrieli.” One of the most significant works in the trombone canon, Šulek’s sonata demands a profound emotional range, shifting from somber, vocal-like passages to heroic proclamations.

Following the intermission, the technical prowess of the duo will be on full display with Eugène Bozza’s “Ballade.” This 1944 masterpiece is a staple of French conservatory examinations, requiring both performers to navigate intricate rhythmic interplay and sudden atmospheric shifts.

The duo also will offer masterclasses Tuesday, March 31, while at UW, with Lee teaching in the Performing Arts recital hall at 2 p.m. and Kim teaching in the Performing Arts concert hall at 5 p.m.

Kim is the winner of numerous competitions, including the Busan MBC Music Competition, Youngsan Music Competition and Haneum Music Competition. He was a member of famed orchestras in Korea, including Seoul Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, Korea Navy Band, Wonju Symphony Orchestra and Gang-Dong Symphony Orchestra. Kim completed his bachelor’s degree from Korea National University of Arts in Seoul and his master’s degree studying with Daniel Cherry at the West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

Lee is an acclaimed pianist and assistant professor at Stephen F. Austin State University. She holds five degrees, including a doctorate in piano performance and collaborative piano from Michigan State University. A former Yale Collaborative Piano Fellow, Lee has performed globally and held staff positions at prestigious institutions, including the Aspen Music Festival and Manhattan School of Music. As a versatile soloist and chamber musician, she has won numerous international competitions, including the Golden Classical Music Awards, and remains a dedicated advocate for contemporary music and pedagogy.