The Kumho Cultural Foundation announced on Tuesday that violinists Ji Sang-hee and Kim Young-ji, along with violist Jo So-young, all alumni of the Kumho Young Artist program, have secured positions with prestigious orchestras in Germany and the U.S.
Ji and Kim have been appointed as permanent first violinists with the Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, respectively. Meanwhile, Jo will take on the role of associate principal viola with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Ji passed the audition for a permanent first violin position with the Gürzenich Orchestra in June 2025. She then served as a probationary member for approximately one year, starting in late August of that year. Following this trial period, the orchestra officially confirmed her appointment as a permanent first violinist.
Kim successfully navigated the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s rigorous audition process, which included preliminary rounds and two final rounds. After acing the final audition in October 2025, she completed an eight-month probationary period before being officially instated as a permanent first violinist on June 15, 2026.
Jo reached the final candidate stage for the associate principal viola position with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in February 2026. Her journey included blind auditions, multiple rounds, and a grueling week-long trial. Following a trial conducted under the baton of maestro Gustavo Dudamel, Jo was appointed to the associate principal viola position. This opportunity arose when the previous associate principal was promoted to principal viola. Jo is set to commence her official duties in July.
The Gürzenich Orchestra Cologne, founded in 1827, serves as the resident orchestra for the Cologne Opera. It boasts a rich history, having participated in premieres of works by musical giants such as Brahms, Mahler, and Richard Strauss. The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, established in 1891, stands as one of America’s premier symphony orchestras. It has been led by a roster of legendary conductors including Fritz Reiner, Georg Solti, and Daniel Barenboim. Looking ahead, Finnish conductor Klaus Mäkelä is slated to take the helm as the 11th music director starting in the 2027/28 season.
The Los Angeles Philharmonic, founded in 1919, is a cornerstone of American classical music, performing primarily at the iconic The Walt Disney Company Concert Hall. The orchestra’s illustrious lineage of music directors includes Otto Klemperer, Zubin Meta, Esa-Pekka Salonen, and Gustavo Dudamel. British conductor Daniel Harding is set to usher in a new era as music director beginning with the 2027/28 season.