Michael Casimir graces the stage as a member of the viola section of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, following a standout year as principal violist with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in 2022. He is no stranger to accolades, having secured second place in the prestigious 2015 Sphinx Competition and clinched the grand prize at the esteemed 2013 Hudson Valley String Competition.
His musical odyssey began at the Juilliard School, mentored by Heidi Castleman and Misha Amory, where he earned his undergraduate degree. He further honed his craft at the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music under the guidance of luminaries like Roberto Díaz, Hsin-Yun Huang, and Ed Gazouleas. Beyond academia, Casimir has performed with many renowned ensembles, including the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra during his tenure at Curtis.
A dedicated advocate for musical education, he has mentored high school students in Philadelphia and conducted the string ensemble at Normandy High School in St. Louis. In 2021, he assumed the esteemed position of orchestra director at Lindenwood University, further cementing his commitment to fostering young talent.
In 2023, he expanded his musical horizons, serving as a faculty member at the Heifetz Institute, performing as a guest artist at the Greenwood Music Camp, and taking on the role of principal viola in the Mainly Mozart Orchestra during the summer. Casimir’s recording credits include Disney’s 2019 The Lion King soundtrack and the captivating Space Jam: A New Legacy. He is equally passionate about solo and chamber music projects, embracing the art of playing, recording, filming, and editing.
In his harmonious blend of talent and commitment, Casimir embodies the essence of a consummate artist, a guardian of classical tradition, and an innovator in the world of music. His journey, adorned with accolades and unwavering dedication, continues to inspire the realm of classical music and beyond.
Tae Kim, piano, has been hailed as a “highly skilled improviser” by the New York Times and “prickly and explosive” by the Montreal Gazette. His rare blend of rigorous execution and whimsical styling creates an interpretation of the classical repertoire all his own. His unique talent for classical improvisation earned him the Prix d’interprétation André Chevillion–Yvonne Bonnaud for the premiere of his work “Translate (2016)” as well as the Prix–Mention Spéciale Edison Denisov at the 12e Concours international de piano d’Orléans. He has studied with Jonathan Bass, Bruce Brubaker, Janice Webber, and Patricia Zander.
