Stephen Jee Won Kim

Which people would you invite as guests to your dream dinner party?

Beethoven, Heifetz, Walt Disney, Shakespeare.

What is your favorite meal?

Korean Barbecue.

Do you have a favorite motto or proverb that you live your life by?

Always persevere and never lose faith.

Which person or people inspire you the most?

My family.

If you were 80 years old, what advice would you give to young people today?

To keep sight of the path through life's unexpected turns.

What would you like people to say about you?

Genuine, moving.

How do you overcome the stage fright? / What is your ritual before going on stage?

Quiet and meditation.

When you perform... who are you playing for?

The composer and the audience.

What job would you least like to do?

Anything that involves sharp needles!

Is there a joke about musicians that you would like to share with us?

How is a violin similar to a vampire? They leave marks on your neck.

What's the "most played" non-classical track on your phone?

I have to admit that my cellphone only contains classical tracks!

You are on a desert island and can bring only 3 items, what do you bring?

Violin and a writing notebook (to keep the mind active and sane), and a boat.

What is your favorite noise/sound? What is the most annoying noise for you?

The sound of birds chirping in the morning is lovely, while the sound of cars honking is annoying!

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

In a city where classical music is the mainstream.

What is the first thing you think about when you hear the word Tchaikovsky?

Ballet.

What is the first thing you think about when you hear the word competition?

Intensity.