Esther Kim: First Violin

First Violin

Korean-born Scottish violinist Esther Kim enjoys a busy career of chamber music and orchestral playing, performing at many venues in the UK and abroad including the Royal Albert Hall, Southbank Centre's Royal Festival Hall, Cadogan Hall, Wigmore Hall, Suntory Hall and Carnegie Hall. 

She was appointed a First Violin of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) in 2020 and regularly plays as a guest with the Scottish Chamber, BBC Symphony, London Philharmonic and London Symphony orchestras. During her studies in the USA, she was a prize-winner in the George Enescu International Violin Competition and Kocian International Competition, which led to concerto performances with the Palisades Symphony, Culver City Symphony and Crossroads Chamber Orchestra. 

In the UK, she has studied with a number of teachers including David Takeno at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. 

Recent engagement highlights have included piano trios at the Slovak Philharmonic in Bratislava as well as tours to Germany, Poland, Hungary, Croatia and Greece with the RPO.

Chair Patron

Esther gratefully acknowledges the support of her Chair Patrons, John and Mary Watt.