Bio
Jee Sun Lee is a highly accomplished violinist and violist, known for her exceptional performances as a soloist, chamber musician, dedicated music educator, and philanthropist. Her musical journey is a testament to her unwavering passion for the art form and her commitment to sharing its beauty with diverse audiences, including those in need.Jee Sun Lee's musical career has taken her to esteemed venues across the globe. Notable performances include her debut at the Chicago Cultural Center as part of the Dame Myra Hess Concert Series in 2015, which was broadcast live on WFMT radio. Her solo recitals at iconic venues like the Roerich Museum (NY), An die Musik Live (MD), Interchurch (NY), the Windsor Art Center (CT) and Sejong Hall (Korea) have left a lasting impression on audiences. Ms. Lee's artistry has also graced universities, including the University of Virginia, Central Michigan University, Eastman School of Music, Stony Brook University, and The College of New Jersey. Her collaborations as a soloist with orchestras, such as The Ensemble of the Soloists Sofia in Russia, Queensboro Symphony Orchestra, Promise Ministries Chamber Orchestra, Bergen Youth Orchestra, and the Korean Chamber Orchestra, have showcased her versatility as a performer.
Jee Sun Lee's chamber music expertise has been shaped by her mentorship under the Grammy Award-winning Emerson String Quartet. She has shared the stage with renowned artists, including Lawrence Dutton, Philip Setzer, Eugene Drucker, Julia Lichten, David Geber, John Patitucci, Nadine Asin, and Chris Finckel. Her contributions to the Hoch Chamber Music Series at Concordia College, NY, as well as her role in the Alacorde Piano Trio, have enriched the chamber music landscape. In 2016, Trio Roi, a trio she co-founded featuring violin/viola, clarinet, and piano, made a memorable debut, capturing the hearts of sold-out audiences at the Chamber on Main series in NJ and the Roerich Museum in New York.
Jee Sun Lee's collaborative spirit extends to numerous institutions and venues, including Saint Elizabeth University, Cecil College, Drew University, Manhattan School of Music, Queens College, New York University, Ocean County College, Opera America's National Opera Center, Riverside Church, Memorial Art Gallery, OSilas Gallery, and the prestigious Carnegie Hall. Her diverse portfolio of performances reflects her versatility and dedication to enriching the world of music.
In the orchestral realm, Ms. Lee has held significant positions, serving as concertmaster at Seoul National University, Stony Brook University, and the New York Sinfonietta. Her tenure as assistant concertmaster of the Westchester Chamber Symphony from 2005 to 2012 further underscores her contributions to the orchestral world.
Beyond her musical achievements, Jee Sun Lee is also a passionate philanthropist. She is a co-founder of Pro Sono, a community-based non-profit organization dedicated to performing musical concerts for hospitalized and disabled individuals. Through Pro Sono, Ms. Lee and her fellow musicians bring the healing power of music to those who need it most, spreading joy and comfort to communities in need.
Jee Sun Lee embarked on her musical journey at the age of six and made her solo debut with the Korean Chamber Orchestra at just nine years old. Her prodigious talent earned her accolades in national competitions, including the Korean Daily Newspaper Competition, Yook Young Competition, Woleum Competition, Chosun Daily Newspaper Competition, and The Segue Daily Newspaper Competition. Notably, she clinched the Grand Prize at The Nanpa Music Competition and First Prize in the violin category in 1999.
Ms. Lee's musical development was enriched by exceptional mentors, including Philip Setzer of the Emerson Quartet, Pamela Frank, and Charles Castleman. She graduated with honors (Cum Laude) from Seoul National University and went on to earn her Master of Music degree from The Eastman School of Music. In 2006, she completed her Doctor of Musical Arts at Stony Brook University, where she received a full scholarship. Her training also included enriching master classes with luminaries such as Dorothy Delay, Zakhar Bron, Young Wook Kim, and Zvi Zeitlin.
Jee Sun Lee's commitment to music education is a hallmark of her career. She has served as a faculty member at Stony Brook University's pre-college division, Concordia College, NY, and Saint Elizabeth University. Her passion for nurturing the next generation of musicians continues as she instructs at Ramapo College of NJ and Ocean County College. Notably, she recently assumed the role of a chamber music coach at the New York Youth Symphony.