Kyu-Young Kim Resigns as Artistic Director of Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra

The orchestra's union described the resignation as the "culmination of years of harmful and non-collaborative decisions" by SPCO management

Violinist Kyu-Young Kim has stepped down from his post as Artistic Director of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO), citing "recent organizational decisions and shifts in priorities" as the primary factor in the decision. However, Kim will remain in the position of Principal Violin.

Kim was first appointed to the role in 2016, and at that time, the SPCO reported that he was the first playing member of a major American orchestra to also be appointed as its Artistic Director. During his time in the position, Kim oversaw the hiring of 16 new players and the naming of nine new artistic partners. He will step down on June 30.

A former member of the Pacifica String Quartet, Kim won the Naumburg Chamber Music Award. He was also a founding member of the Daedalus Quartet, with whom he won the Grand Prize at the 2001 Banff International String Quartet Competition and was a member of Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center’s Chamber Music Two Program.

Kim has appeared as a soloist with the Korea Broadcasting System (KBS) Symphony Orchestra, the SPCO, the Amadeus Chamber Orchestra of Poland, and the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra.

"The Musicians of the SPCO are devastated that the actions of the orchestra’s management have caused Kyu-Young Kim to resign from his role as Artistic Director," wrote the Musicians of the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra union. "This is the culmination of years of harmful and non-collaborative decisions — such as eliminating many of our venues and community concerts and drastically shortening our season — that have damaged the legacy and promise of a world-class chamber orchestra."

"Due to recent organizational decisions and shifts in priorities, I am no longer able to fulfill my dual role as artistic director and principal violin of the SPCO," Kim said in a statement. "I want to thank my colleagues, patrons of the SPCO, and our beloved audience for the opportunity to contribute to the artistic evolution of the SPCO in truly significant ways over the past 11 years."

"The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra respects Kyu's decision," a spokesman told the Star Tribune. "We appreciate his remarkable contributions over the years as artistic director and we are grateful he has chosen to remain with the Orchestra."

"In the meantime, the SPCO will work across the organization to determine the next steps for artistic leadership while remaining committed to the SPCO's distinctive musician-led artistic model."