Christmas Eve Service: Tue, Dec 24, 2024 at 2 PM
Jooyeon Park, soprano
Jooyeon Park, a talented soprano from South Korea, has established an impressive musical career marked by dedication and artistry. She began her journey by earning a Bachelor of Music from KyungHee University, where she actively participated in numerous concerts, showcasing her vocal abilities and stage presence. Park further honed her craft at the prestigious New England Conservatory, where she completed her Master of Music degree under the guidance of renowned vocalist Karen Holvik. During this time, she demonstrated her versatility by taking on significant operatic roles, including Marie in “La fille du régiment” and Elisetta in “Il matrimonio segreto.”
Park is elevating her artistry as she pursues a Professional Studies Diploma at the Mannes School of Music at The New School, studying under celebrated soprano Amy Burton. This program allows her to refine her vocal technique and dramatic interpretation further. Looking ahead, Park’s burgeoning career will reach an exciting milestone in the spring of 2025 when she takes on the role of Morgana in “Alcina” with the Mannes School of Music Opera. This performance promises to captivate audiences and showcase her exceptional vocal talent and artistic depth.
Wei Chen, Baritone
Wei Chen is an accomplished young baritone opera singer with an impressive musical background. He earned his Bachelor of Music from Xinghai Conservatory of Music, graduating with distinction. Chen then pursued his Master of Music at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music.
He is advancing his studies with a Professional Studies Diploma at Mannes School of Music on a full scholarship. His exceptional talent has garnered numerous accolades, including first prize in the Solo Professional Group of the China Vocal Music International Competition in Singapore, the Golden Bell Award (a national-level honor), and the Gold Award from the UNESCO-affiliated World Chorus Federation in Macau. Chen’s operatic repertoire is extensive, featuring major roles in over ten renowned productions such as “The Marriage of Figaro,” “Don Giovanni,” “Carmen,” “Lysistrata,” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” His performances have graced well-known opera houses and music halls across the United States, Asia, and Italy, establishing him as a rising star in the international opera scene.
Juri Kim Pang, Organ/Piano
Juri Kim Pang is a New York City-based classical composer known for her captivating and interactive performances and compositions. She has recently performed improvisational concerts at Cornell University and Elim Art Hall. Her film music for “Over Me” was featured at a film festival at Tate Modern in London, UK.
Juri’s talents extend to composition and direction. She composed and directed the opera “Great Chasm,” which was performed at Lamb’s Theater, an off-Broadway theater. Her advocacy for asylum seekers led her to participate in an art advocacy project in Helsinki, Finland.
A child prodigy, Juri performed Mendelssohn’s Piano Concerto #1 at age 12 with the Manaen Orchestra and Schumann’s Piano Concerto Op. 54 at age 16 with The Busan Philharmonic Orchestra. She received her BA from Yonsei University and her MM from Mannes College of Music and has taught composition and sacred music at New York Theological Seminary. She is currently the music director at Manhattan Cornerstone Presbyterian Church.
