Heesoo Kim, a South Korean-Australian cellist from the Gold Coast, is excited to commence her first year at the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) under the tutelage of Howard Penny. Recently graduating with honors from the Sydney Conservatorium under the guidance of Julian Smiles, her musical journey began in Paris at Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris and the Regional Conservatorium of Paris, where she earned an artist diploma with high distinctions, mentored by Genevieve Teulieres- Sommer-and Hélène Dautry.
Heesoo has participated in and won several competitions domestically and internationally, including Hong Kong, Italy, France, and Australia. Notably, she performed with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra as a soloist, playing the third movement of Saint-Saëns's Cello Concerto no. 1 at the age of 14 after winning the Young Instrumentalist Prize. She also collaborated with the Brescia Orchestra in Italy at the Talent Music Summer Festival in 2019, performing Haydn’s Cello Concerto no. 1 in C. She was the recipient of the Sydney Eisteddfod Doctors Orchestra Instrumental Award in 2022 and has secured several scholarships and awards, such as the Dean’s list for excellence in academic performance and the Henderson’s Traveller’s Quartet Scholarship in 2022 and 2023 at Sydney Conservatorium. This scholarship facilitated her quartet's European tour, providing opportunities to learn from renowned chamber tutors such as Gregor Sigl and Oliver Wille. Additionally, she was invited back to Paris in 2023 for a solo recital at Salle Cortot. Professionally, Heesoo has been a casual player with Opera Australia since late 2022.
Outside her musical pursuits, she embraces her passion for food and coffee, constantly exploring new culinary experiences. Additionally, she finds joy in building model kits, visiting art galleries, and watching movies during her leisure time.
Heesoo is supported by ANAM Syndicate donors Jerry Koliha and Marlene Krelle, Lee and Greg Ridder, Margot and Morry Rottem, the Jack and Hedy Brent Foundation
Photo by Pia Johnson