Local artist profile: Katie Kim

This week we chat with another feature of the local flute-playing flock, Katie Kim, who said she’s inspired by a wide range of musicians including Aurele Nicolèt, Jean-Pierre Rampal, Susan Milan, Patrick Gallois and Magali Mosnier.

What initially motivated you to take up the flute?

I took up the flute when I was about 11 years old because my primary school band teacher encouraged me to. I didn’t think much of it at the start, but I soon began to enjoy it. It was very fun playing in the band.

How would you describe your style?

It’s hard to describe my own style objectively but if I try, I could probably relate my style to French flute music the best. Due to the influence of Asian music or paintings, Debussy incorporated colours and nuances in their music that I can easily relate to in my own way, coming from my heritage and cultural background. I’d say (much) of late 19th (century) French music is a bit like a fusion of European tradition and Asian quality, which is really a byproduct of industrialisation and imperialism. French music from then on has this element of ‘other worldliness’. I was born in South Korea but grew up learning and playing European music. I probably am culturally hybrid in that sense and comfortable with this kind of musical language.

Which other flautists inspire you?

I used to listen to Aurele Nicolèt’s J.S. Bach recordings a lot. To a young student, his playing seemed like a textbook version. He plays with such conviction and wholeheartedly. I love Jean-Pierre Rampal for his fluid and effortless playing, Sir James Galway for golden, dense, dazzling sound, and Susan Milan for her expressiveness. Patrick Gallois for his pure sound and elegant style. Magali Mosnier for her transparent sound. There are so many others out there who are amazing, but Rampal and Sir Galway have different standing for having tremendous influence on generations to come.

What are some highlights you have from your career so far?

Each concert is unique and special, but if I pick just one it will have to be The Way Back Concert 2 (at) Ulumbarra Theatre that the Bendigo Venues and Events team produced during COVID. All the concerts I planned had to be cancelled during two lockdown years, but this chance came around when I least expected.It was with my cellist daughter Raechel Suh and her viola friend Ruby Shires playing François Devienne and Albert Roussel Trios. We had lockdown rules still in place so events and concerts still couldn’t be carried out the way we do now. It was without (an) audience, live streamed on Facebook. It was a surprise gift that COVID brought me. It was a unique experience being connected with the audience in a special way in a bizarre circumstance.

Do you have any performances coming up?

I have a concert coming up on Sunday 13 October at Langley Estate with pianist Dr. Kenji Fujimura and MSO cellist Miranda Brockman. The program includes Fauré Sonata for Flute and Piano (originally for violin and piano), Beethoven Magic Flute variation for Cello and Piano, and Martinů Trio for Flute, Cello and Piano.

What would you say to young regional aspiring classical musicians who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

Go for it! If you pursue it, you can have it. There are lots of opportunities so learn to apply yourself. If you learn to organise your own concerts, gigs, exhibitions, that’s even better.