Vienna Boys’ Choir welcomes Korean conductor

The Vienna Boys’ Choir welcomed a Korean conductor for the first time in history, according to news reports.

Kim Bo-mi, who is currently a Ph.D. student at University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna, has been newly appointed as a conductor for one of the four touring teams of the choir, named “Mozart.” The 36-year-old is the first East Asian musician to serve in the position, as well as the first woman.

Prior to moving to Vienna, Kim studied music at Yonsei University in Seoul. She’s been studying conducting for the last 10 years.

She applied for the position in August and participated in the selection process, which required her to attend a camp with the young choir members.

One of the best known boys’ choirs in the world, the private, non-profit group performs about 300 concerts each year before 600,000 people.

Kim is said to be preparing for the choir’s upcoming Christmas concert, and hopes to see the boys perform traditional Korean scores someday.

By Claire Lee (dyc@heraldcorp.com)