PROGRAMG. F. Händel’s MESSIAH PROFILE* Conductor Lim Han-gui- Graduated from the Department of Vocal Music of Seoul National University- Earned his Master’s degree in choral conducting at Westminster Choir College and his Doctoral degree in conducting at University of Memphis- Served as associate conductor of Philadelphia Singing City in the US - Served as president of the Korean Choral Research Association- Served as principal conductor of the Gwangju City Choir and the Goyang Civic Choir - Currently serves as a board member of the Korean Choral Directors Association and the Korea Church Music Association, as artistic director and principal conductor of Cheonan City Choir, as an adjunct professor in choral conducting at Kookmin University Graduate School of Arts, and as conductor of Somang Church Hosanna Choir* Soprano Kang Hye-jung- Graduated from the Department of Vocal Music of Yonsei University and Mannes School of Music in the US- Received the Rising Star Award at the 3rd Korea Opera Awards in 2010 and the Michael Sisca Opera Award in 2005- Currently serves as a professor at Keimyung University’s College of Music Performing Arts* Mezzo soprano Jung Soo-yeon- Graduated from the Department of Vocal Music of Hanyang University- Completed her Master’s degree and Artist Diploma courses at Peabody Conservatory in the US- Completed the doctoral program at Academy of Vocal Arts- Won several awards at international music competitions such as the Mario Lanza Vocal Competition, the Metropolitan Opera Eric and the Dominique Laffont Competition - Currently serves as a professor in vocal music at Sungshin Women’s University and president of the Seil Music and Culture Foundation* Tenor Shin Sang-geun- Graduated from the Department of Vocal Music of Hanyang University, Mozarteum in Austria, and La Scala Academy in Milan- Served as a soloist at Münster Opera House and a lead singer at Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe in Germany - Debuted as one of the lead singers at Metropolitan Opera in the US - Currently serves as a professor in vocal music at Kyunghee University* Baritone Yeom Kyung-mook- Graduated from the Department of Vocal Music of Seoul National University as well as from Southern Methodist University and the Juilliard American Opera Center with full scholarship- Won several awards at competitions like the National Opera Competition in the US, the Metropolitan Opera Competition and the Tokyo International Music Competition- Served as resident singer of New York City Opera (“Madama Butterfly” where Yeom appeared won an Emmy Award in 2008)- Currently performs locally and internationally as soloist in opera, concert, oratorio, and as art song singer * Gunpo Prime Philharmonic Orchestra Founded in February 1997, the Gunpo Prime Philharmonic Orchestra has been recognized for its expertise as an orchestra specializing in symphonic music as well as theater music such as opera and ballet by engaging top conductors and players with excellent skills and enthusiasm. In addition to giving more than five regular concerts a year of their own, the Orchestra participates in major opera and ballet performances at home and abroad, as well as in concert series at various cultural centers across the nation.