Heon Kim

A classically trained violinist, Heon won the 1st concertmaster audition in Dublin for the National Symphony Orchestra. The pandemic that followed motivated him to turn to cultural management, and Echo Arts was founded to bring world-class artists, artisans and students together, creating a space where music and the arts can truly flourish.

Since its inception, Heon has invited world-class artists including Steven Isserlis, Maximilian Hornung, Lawrence Power, and Anton Barakhovsky - who currently serves as concertmaster of the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra. Echo has also partnered with the Schumann Quartett, and together developed its chamber music program into a meaningful and respected String Quartet Academy. Furthermore, the newly launched young artist platform titled 'Echo Ensemble', plans to function as a performance platform for young artists, which will be artistically led by world renowned violinist and teacher, Marc Bouchkov.

Philanthropy, albeit on a modest scale, is very important for Heon. He has managed to find private funding to help accommodate students through financial scholarships. In some instances, he has worked with private consortiums to purchase and donate instruments to selected students.

Echo is equally committed to its community, providing concerts for the homeless with Caritas, and opening its programs to local churches, schools and hospitals.