Christopher Choi joined the Louisville Orchestra as Principal timpani in July 2023. Prior to joining the orchestra, he held the position of Principal Timpanist in the Ditto Orchestra and Orchestral Ensemble Seoul in South Korea.
He has participated in Aspen Music Festival with full fellowship for two consecutive years and invited in Taipei Music Academy & Festival as guest artist where he performed with renowned conductors like Vasily Petrenko, Robert Spano, James Conlon, Kent Nagano and Leonard Slatkin.
As a chamber musician, he has gained recognition and actively performed with various chamber music groups, including the 4plus Percussion Ensemble, TIMF Ensemble, and Project 21 AND. He has also formed the Sueur Percussion Ensemble, a percussion sextet group, which regularly holds concerts and continues to lead the team.
Choi was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, to a conductor father and a composer mother, he began playing the piano at the age of 5 upon returning to Korea. His journey into percussion and timpani started at the age of 13. He completed his bachelor's degree at Seoul National University and achieved his master's degree at The Juilliard School, studying under Greg Zuber and Markus Rhoten.
What do you enjoy most about performing with the Louisville Orchestra?
I love the sense of teamwork with the other musicians and the energy we create together. Also, the audience is amazing, and I really enjoy how the orchestra mixes classics with fresh, new pieces.
In what ways do you think the Louisville Orchestra can make the greatest impact on our community?
I think the Louisville Orchestra can make the biggest impact by bringing music to more people, especially through In Harmony tour and education programs. Connecting with different parts of the community and making music accessible to everyone can really inspire and bring people together.
Who is your favorite composer or musician?
Stravinsky Igor
Do you have a Louisville Orchestra or event that is especially meaningful or memorable?
Whether it’s a tour or anㅛ performance, after each show, when I meet the audience backstage and they say, ‘Oh, you’re the timpanist? I really enjoyed your performance,’ and we share a brief conversation, it’s always a heartwarming experience.
What are some things that inspire you as a musician?
get inspiration from everyday life, but I am mostly influenced and inspired by food. I think the process of gathering information about a dish, preparing the ingredients, and planning is similar to preparing for a performance. Also, I find it interesting that there’s a difference between making food for myself and for others, which I think is a parallel to music as well.
What’s something unique, surprising, fun, or interesting about you?
I enjoy taking trips to discover or try out new restaurants.
What are some of your hobbies outside the LO?
I’m trying to pick up a new hobby. Just exploring these days!