Danny Koo
Danny Koo, violinist
Described as “unstinting in energetic projection every step of the way” (Calgary Herald), violinist Danny Koo has carved out a distinctive professional profile as a soloist, chamber musician, recitalist, and speaker in appearances throughout the world.
Recent performances include: “Ongheya” concerto with the Korean National Orchestra (Lotte Concert Hall), “Danny’s Talk Concert” with OLYMPUS Korea (Sejong Hall), Piazzolla and Vivaldi Four Seasons (Lotte Concert Hall) with Maestro Gum Nanse, following a 12-concert Korea tour in sold-out halls with Bach Concerto in 2019. Danny is an avid and sought-after chamber musician, Danny has most recently collaborated with Kim Kashkashian, Philippe Graffin, Jaime Laredo, Andres Diaz, Roberto Diaz, Clive Greensmith, Soovin Kim, Lluis Claret, Joseph Kalichstein, Barry Shiffman, Vivian and Donald Weilerstein. In addition, Danny has been invited to a number of high-profile music festivals, including the Transatlantic Encounters at Snape Maltings, Rockport Chamber Music Festival, Music@Menlo, Lake Champlain Chamber Music Festival, Summerfest at La Jolla, Perlman Chamber Music Program, String Theory, and Banff Chamber Music Program. He has also presented acclaimed recitals in the US such at the Seoul Arts Center, Kennedy Center, Jordan Hall, Fanneuil Hall, and Old South Meeting Place.
An outgoing and engaging personality, Danny is well-known media personality and has been profiled on practically every Korean radio broadcasting station; Korean television media such as MBC “TV Art Show”, EBS “Music Box’ & “Let’s Play with Art”, JTBC “Classic Today,” Mnet “Classic Dominant,” Arirang “Heart to Heart,” and in print media, Marie Claire Korea, and was Playbill’s Choice in Scene Playbill Magazine. He has also garnered worldwide attention as a speaker, giving lectures in Korea sponsored by Lotte, COEX Starfield Library, Ina Books. Danny shared his artistry and commentary at two TEDxBeaconStreet conferences, one of which was held at the historic Fenway Park. TED talks: “The Power of Classical Music” “Bach Boom”.
Music education is a priority for Danny; In Korea, he has partnered up with ‘Pinkfong’ (creators of Baby Shark) to educate and excite the youngest generation of our world about classical music; each video reaching millions of views worldwide. He has taught at New England Conservatory’s Preparatory School, Toronto’s Academy Chamber Orchestra alongside Barry Shiffman at the Royal Conservatory of Music, San Francisco Conservatory.
A strong believer in creating a tangible change in the world through the arts, Danny was a regular participant of Kim Kashkashian’s “Music for Food”, a community project in which musicians volunteer their performances, and audience donations go to a local food pantry. He has done this since its inception, serving as a coordinator for the (organizing performers to share their music with the wonderful ladies at the shelter) Women’s Lunch Place Concert Series for five years. In addition, he is a proud ambassador of OXFAM Korea. Recently Danny worked with Expression Engine (El Sistema) in Chattanooga, TN.
Born in Chicago in 1991, Danny holds a Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from the New England Conservatory in Boston, where he studied with Donald Weilerstein, Soovin Kim, and Malcolm Lowe, and recently completed the Rebanks Fellowship at the Royal Conservatory of Music. He plays on a violin made in Naples by Vincenzo Postiglione in 1901.
