Choral conductor and composer Jihoon Park studied choral conducting and music composition from the Department of Composition (under Professor Hak Won Yoon) at Chung-Ang University’s School of Music, where he began building his musical foundation in choral conducting. In 2009, Park went abroad to the United States to earn his master’s degree in Choral Conducting from Colorado State University. Park continued his studies at the University of Arizona, completing his ABD in Choral Conducting with a minor in Orchestral Conducting.
As a choral conductor, Jihoon Park has been recognized with numerous awards from various choral competitions. Since winning his first grand prize at the National Collegiate Choir Competition (1999) with the Chung-Ang University Choir, Park went on to win a series of choral competitions in Korea with the Seoul Dream Singers, winning the grand prize at the National Choral Competition (2006), Changwon Grand-Prix Choral Festival & Competition (2007), and Ansan Choral Festival (2007). Park’s talent as a choral conductor was also recognized overseas with two gold medals and a 1st place win in the mixed choir category at the Johannes Brahms Choir Festival and Competition in Germany. Park has also been invited as a guest conductor for various choirs in Korea and abroad, including the UNIMA Choir in Indonesia, Gwacheon City Choir, Yangsan City Choir, Ullim (Seoul Arts Center) and the Seoul National University Gospel Choir in Korea. From 2014 to June of 2018, Park served as the resident conductor for the Gunsan Civic Choir and during his position has received wide acclaim for his diverse programming of new works inspired by creative contents and meaningful social messages that embrace the past, present and future.
As a composer, Jihoon Park has composed a wide range of choral music over the years. His music has been commissioned by numerous choirs in both Korea and abroad, including the Philippines Madrigal Singers, Incheon City Chorale, and Korea Arts Ensemble. Ranging from religious/secular choral music (“I want” / “I Want to Become a Believer”), cantata (“Jesus”/ “Happy Christmas” / “Two Disciples”), musical (“Happiness Bus”), to original music for film and TV (“Dae Jo Yeong”), Park has composed over 500 works and participated in over 40 records to date. Park’s compositions “Balloonflower” and “Springtime” have been included in high school textbooks in Korea and China, while his work and performance as a leading choral composer in Korea have been introduced by international organizations such as the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), International Federation for Choral Music (IFCM) and Japan Choral Association.
Over the years, Jihoon Park has also served as musical director for numerous choirs – including Joongdong High School Choir, Chung-Ang University Choir, World Vision Children’s Choir, Seongnam City Women’s Choir, Unichoir, Goyang City Women’s Choir, Ilsan Grace Choir, Seoul Vocal Ensemble, Seoul Dream Singers, Hansomang Church Choir and Sunsa Church Choir – leading diverse and successful programs and accumulating years of conducting experience. He has also collaborated with various choirs throughout the United States, including the CSU Chamber Choir, University Singers and the Kantorei Choral Ensemble.
