This summer, Haedeun Kim ’18 participated in a concert performed at the DMZ (demilitarized zone) that divides North Korea and the Republic of Korea. The performance included a South Korean student orchestra (in which Haedeun plays clarinet), a senior-citizens Korean choir and the Harvard Radcliffe Orchestra. The musicians played traditional Korean music as a way to promote peace and unity.  It was Haedeun’s his first visit to the DMZ.

“While it was great to practice in an orchestra with other musicians, I was also glimpsing my future,” says Haedeun, who is referring to his upcoming mandatory two-year military duty.

The DMZ performance is part of the U.S. Lindenbaum Festival, founded by Maestro Charles Dutoit and Violinist Hyung Joon Won. This festival has the specific aim to establish “One Orchestra” between North and South Korea in pursuit of peace. Since 2009, the Lindenbaum Summer Festival has focused on educating young musicians with orchestral and ensemble performances. These talented performers audition for the honor of playing with this orchestra.  If chosen, they rehearse with current and former principal players from world famous orchestras.

In October, Haedeun will participate in the U.S. Lindenbaum Festival in Boston with Musical Director Federico Cortese and the Harvard Radcliffe Orchestra.  The final performance will be on October 7 in Paine Concert Hall at Harvard University.

To watch the CNN news story, click here.