Artist in residence Bomsori Kim
'Music is my way of making a positive difference'
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In 2023, South Korean violinist Bomsori Kim made her debut with the Residentie Orkest in The Hague and the Amsterdam Concertgebouw. The musical click was so strong that she was almost immediately invited as artist in residence for the 2025-2026 season. 'It went completely naturally, we felt each other musically very well.' She talks about her extraordinary career, her false start and her worst nightmare.
False start
Bomsori began playing the violin at the age of five, but her first experience was not a success. "It sounded horrible," she recalls. Earlier, she played piano; by comparison, the violin proved challenging. 'I remember thinking: so I have no talent for this.' Still, she persevered. She got to know her instrument - and the rest is history. By now she is 35, internationally celebrated and one of the most energetic and interesting musicians in classical music.
Musical click
Bomsori's first performance with the Residentie Orkest in Amare made a deep impression. She immediately felt a strong connection with the orchestra, the audience and the hall. "The acoustics let even the softest tones shine, making the whole room part of the music. And the audience was more welcoming and engaged than she was used to. When the orchestra asked her to be its artist in residence, she didn't have to think long.
Music with a mission
Bomsori admires the orchestra's community involvement and is happy to contribute to it. "I want to make classical music more accessible to a wider audience. Her generosity is evident in the way she shares her time and talent with others. For example, she recently gave a benefit concert at the cancer ward of a South Korean hospital. "It was an emotional performance, but music is my way of making a positive difference. She is also looking forward to the master class at the Royal Conservatory of Music, one of her activities as artist in residence. 'Working with young talent is always inspiring.'
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Three hundredth anniversary
Since 2022, Bomsori has been playing a 1725 Guarneri del Gesù, so this year it celebrates its three-hundredth anniversary and is still in top condition. She is grateful for the good care the extraordinary instrument has received over the centuries. The complex nature of the violin constantly challenges her to keep exploring. "The sound possibilities are endless and I'm still learning every day. That continuous learning process underscores the deep bond between musician and instrument. 'My nightmares are always about how I lose my violin.'
"Not only is Bomsori Kim incredibly talented, she visibly connects with her audience, sincerely and unfiltered."
- Sven Arne Tepl, general and artistic director Residentie Orkest
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Healthy and inspired
"I'm basically always with music," Bomsori says. Performing and traveling a lot take quite a toll physically and mentally. That's why she pays a lot of attention to her well-being, for example with pilates, yoga and crossfit, and relaxes when she can. "I want to keep performing as long as possible, so I take good care of my health. She also enjoys working on projects that help modernize classical music. She gets a lot of energy from working with fellow musicians. 'Classical music still too often has an elitist image. I want to break that image. The world is changing rapidly, and musicians need to be at the forefront of that.'
Futures
Bomsori is looking forward to her time as artist in residence with the Residentie Orkest. She thinks it would be fantastic to deepen the connection with the orchestra and with the city of The Hague. 'A long-term collaboration gives space to show yourself and experiment together.' The idea of being in the same, familiar place more often also appeals to her. 'That makes it easier to feel at home and relax. I can't wait to enjoy myself on stage and share that pleasure with the audience.'