Rising Star: Composer Texu Kim Elevating the Music Scene in San Diego

Texu Kim's musical pieces often boast titles that immediately draw the eye, such as 'Sweet, Savory, Spicy!!,' 'Spin-Flip,' 'fffanfare!!,' and 'Ominous Omnibus.' Kim's compositions aren't just catchy by name; they're also captivating to the ear with their inventive blend of a variety of elements.

An associate professor at San Diego State University since 2020, Kim's demand as a composer has been steadily growing. This spring, audiences can enjoy his work at over a dozen concerts. His music will echo through the prestigious halls of New York's Carnegie Hall and London's Royal Festival Hall, as well as being performed in Seoul, various cathedrals, and more intimate venues.

The Verona Quartet will be playing Kim's 'Ritus Sanitatem' at the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, and the St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church will host a performance of 'Every Corner Sings' by acclaimed organist Bruce Neswick. Further showcases of Kim's talent might occur at San Diego Symphony concerts.

Kim is mindful of his composition titles, valuing them as part of the creative process and as a tool to make classical music more approachable. These titles are not only memorable but also reflect Kim's own artistic personality.

Korean-born Kim attributes the origins of his playful music to his mother, a devout Christian, who constantly sang hymns. Starting from a youthful exposure to evangelical church music and an interest in chemistry, Kim has forged an integrative approach to his music-making, combining different cultural elements and ideas akin to manipulating chemical reactions.

Kim's husband, organist Bruce Neswick, is heavily involved with Kim's compositions, having premiered some of his works. The two share a life where Kim understands that being married to Neswick involves 'sharing Bruce with the world' due to Neswick's demanding concert schedule.

The local San Diego music scene, particularly the San Diego Symphony, has been instrumental in introducing Kim's work, even commissioning a new piece for an upcoming grand reopening. Various San Diego ensembles have also featured Kim's compositions at several venues.

Kim expresses surprise and gratitude for the opportunities to compose, likening his experiences to a 'fairy tale.' Despite his success, Kim humbly enjoys teaching, appreciating the daily interactions with his students.

Upcoming Performances

Verona Quartet featuring Texu Kim's compositions:

When: 7:30 p.m. Monday

Where: Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, La Jolla

Tickets: $15-$55

Phone: (858) 454-5872

Choral Evensong and Recital

Featuring Texu Kim's 'Every Corner Sings':

When: 4 p.m. May 12

Where: St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, La Jolla

Admission: Free

Phone: (858) 459-3421, ext. 109

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