For the second time, the Washington Chamber Orchestra was invited to perform at the American Academy of Achievement’s International Achievement Summit, an honor that UWM Peck School of the Arts music professor and orchestra director Jun Kim says is deeply rewarding.
Kim, who has served as the orchestra’s artistic director since 2014, conducted the ensemble June 24 at the biennial summit in Washington, D.C., as part of the America 250 celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Held every two years, the Academy of Achievement International Achievement Summit brings together many of the world’s most accomplished leaders from science, medicine, business, public service and the arts.
This year’s event was held at the historic Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium near the White House and included participants such as Andrew Lloyd Webber, Carole King, Renée Fleming and Moshe Safdie.
“Being invited back for a second time is a tremendous honor and a meaningful affirmation of the Washington Chamber Orchestra’s artistic excellence and professionalism under my leadership,” Kim said. “To have our orchestra entrusted with providing the music for such an occasion is deeply rewarding.”
Behind the scenes
Although the audience experienced a seamless evening, the production required months of planning and meticulous coordination.
The Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium was transformed into a concert venue with a stage large enough to accommodate the Washington Chamber Orchestra and the 250-member Millennial Choir. Every section of the orchestra required its own microphones and monitors, while lighting, video and sound had to be synchronized throughout rehearsals and performances.
Kim rehearsed with the orchestra, choir and each guest artist while coordinating with production staff, sound engineers, stage management and soloists. Throughout the evening, he balanced the musical performance with production cues.
The orchestra performed with violinist Joshua Bell, mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, Carole King and the Millennial Choir.
Working with King required a different approach than a traditional orchestral collaboration. As she performed with her own session musicians, Kim conducted the orchestra while receiving live production cues through an in-ear monitor to keep the performance synchronized with the event.
“It was remarkable to watch the production team at work,” Kim said. “Seeing that level of professionalism behind the scenes was just as inspiring as the performances themselves.”
After the final performance, Kim said it was especially meaningful to see leaders from so many disciplines gathered in one place and to know music helped bring the celebration together.
Bringing the experience back to UWM
For Kim, opportunities like the International Achievement Summit extend beyond professional accomplishment. They shape what he teaches in the classroom.
“Musical excellence is the foundation of everything I teach,” he said. “Experiences like the Academy of Achievement remind my students that great performances are built not only on artistic excellence, but also on preparation, patience, collaboration and professionalism.”
He hopes students also recognize music’s broader purpose.
“They see firsthand that music has the power to elevate moments of great significance, bringing people together to celebrate extraordinary achievements,” Kim said.
“Those experiences reinforce an important lesson: excellence is something we pursue not only for its own sake, but because it enables us to make meaningful contributions through music.”
Story by Oliver J. Johnson