Full biography
Baritone Peter Hakjoon Kim trained at the Juilliard School, where he earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees and received the Lucrezia Bori Grant. That foundation shows in everything he brings to the stage: a rich, commanding voice, deep musical intelligence, and a true sense of character.
His repertoire covers many of the most demanding and best-loved roles written for the baritone voice. He has sung the title roles of Mozart's Don Giovanni and Verdi's Nabucco and Rigoletto. His Verdi roles also include Amonasro in Aida, Germont in La Traviata, Conte di Luna in Il Trovatore, Iago in Otello, and Renato in Un Ballo in Maschera. He has also sung Tonio in Leoncavallo's I Pagliacci and Sharpless in Puccini's Madama Butterfly. From Mozart's charismatic seducer to Verdi's tormented fathers and darkest villains, he moves with ease between charm, authority and menace.
Audiences have heard him in leading roles with Tulsa Opera, Union Avenue Opera, New Rochelle Opera, Opera in the Heights, Regina Opera, Chelsea Opera and the Martina Arroyo Foundation.
Alongside his performing career, Maestro Kim is committed to the next generation of singers. Through masterclasses and workshops, he shares the insight of an artist who has lived these great roles on stage. He offers young singers practical guidance on vocal technique, style and dramatic interpretation as they prepare the core baritone repertoire.
Through Mostly Classical Performing Arts, Maestro Kim is available to opera companies, festivals and institutions for performances and recitals, as well as masterclasses and workshops.