Harmonic Blooms: From Classical Roots to Modern Petals

Haijin Choi is a section violinist of Grand Rapids Symphony and a faculty at Calvin University. Originally from South Korea, she moved to the United States in 2000 to continue her post graduate program at Northwestern University, IL after finishing her BM and MM from Seoul National University. While playing with Charleston Symphony, SC in 2002 — 2003, she performed a recital for Piccolo Spoleto Festival. She has been a member of Grand Rapids Symphony since 2003.

You can find Haijin Choi’s performances from the Grand Rapids Symphony, the Chamber Music Festival of Saugatuck in summer, the Sunday Classical Concert Series for the Grand Rapids Art Museum, a bi-annual house concert and private events. She has orchestrated a chamber music series at Fredrik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park beginning in the summer of 2020.

Clara Schubilske recently started her first season with the Grand Rapids Symphony in October. Previously she was studying at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music with Professor Simon James. In San Francisco she was grateful to have many fun and rewarding experiences such as subbing with the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra and performing at SF Jazz. She completed her undergrad degrees in Social Policy and Violin Performance with Blair Milton at Northwestern University.

Clara has also been fortunate to attend the New York String Orchestra Seminar, Music Academy of the West, and the National Repertory Orchestra. She enjoys collaborating with musicians of other genres such as the Eagles, Andrea Bocelli, and Ambrose Akinmusire. Clara hopes to continue her experience as a volunteer teacher for Evanston Young Artists, El Sistema Minneapolis, and the Connecting Musical Pathways Initiative and is looking for more opportunities to inspire the next generation of musicians.

American violist Arturo Ziraldo is an engaging performer who believes deeply in the power of art to change the world for the better. Mr. Ziraldo has performed across North America, Europe and Asia as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral leader. He has performed with orchestras such as the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Seattle Symphony, and Detroit Symphony.

Mr. Ziraldo is currently the Principal Violist of the Kalamazoo and West Michigan Symphony Orchestras and has played as member of the Grand Rapids Symphony and Baroque on Beaver festival. As a soloist, he champions the music of early 20^th century English composers such as Benjamin Dale and Arnold Bax. In addition, Mr. Ziraldo is a dedicated teacher and maintains a private studio as well as giving masterclasses and clinics, and is a regular judge of the semi-final round of the Stulberg Competition. He also enjoys a career as a singer, songwriter and guitar player.

Born in South Korea and raised in Portland, Oregon, cellist Jinn Shin is a dedicated orchestral and chamber musician. As an orchestral musician, Jinn was recently appointed as a section cellist of the Grand Rapids Symphony. In the past, she has served as the assistant principal of Eugene Symphony Orchestra and was a fellow with the Orchestra Now at Bard College. Jinn is also an avid chamber musician and has collaborated with renowned musicians like Glen Dicterow, Jonathan Feldman, Karen Dreyfus, Kenji Bunch, and members of the Pink Martini.

Jinn has been a part of numerous summer festivals such as Tanglewood Music Center, Music Academy of the West, Aspen Music Festival, and Bard Music Festival. Jinn received her M.M. at Manhattan School of Music under the tutelage of Julia Lichten. She finished her undergraduate studies with high distinction in Rochester, NY. She holds a B.M. in Cello Performance from the Eastman School of Music and a B.A. in Brain & Cognitive Sciences from University of Rochester. She previously studied with Alan Harris, Steven Pologe, and Dorien de León.