Del Sol Quartet welcomes new violinist Hyeyung Sol Yoon

Del Sol Quartet welcomes new violinist Hyeyung Sol Yoon, succeeding Samuel Weiser. Yoon was a member of the Chiara Quartet for 18 years with whom she was recognized for playing by heart, including performances of the Complete String Quartets of Béla Bartók, as well as commissioning works by composers such as Gabriela Lena Frank and Huang Ruo. She explores the margins of her American and Korean identities as a performer, composer, and as the founder of Asian Musical Voices of America, an organization devoted to community-building and activism for change by and for AAPI musicians.

Del Sol founding violist Charlton Lee said, “As long time admirers of Hyeyung’s gorgeous playing, we are thrilled to have her join Del Sol. Hyeyung is a deeply thoughtful person who channels her talents with purpose. Her actions embody Del Sol’s mission. Aside from the joy of playing together, we look forward to embarking on new projects and continuing to reimagine the role music can play in our community.”

Hyeyung Sol Yoon stated, “I’m overjoyed to join the Del Sol Quartet, an ensemble that has always championed and nurtured diverse composers’ voices and created space for immigrant stories through projects like the Angel Island Project. Del Sol’s vision, values, and voice reverberate with mine. I’m grateful to Ben, Charlton, and Kathryn for inviting me to join their journey as artist citizens and to be a part of the incredible Del Sol family of musicians, artists, community organizers, board members, and listeners. I’m thrilled to start our Del Sol adventure!”

Del Sol cellist Kathryn Bates said, “Thanks to Sam’s brilliance and generosity, Del Sol has grown immensely. Together we’ve shared music in ways none of us could ever have anticipated, most especially the outdoor performances, our “A Dust in Time” recording coloring book, and newly commissioned works of the Joy Project that sustained us through the pandemic.” Violinist Ben Kreith chimed in, “We’ve played for bighorn sheep in a dry waterfall, and Sam sounded great. I plan to be there in the audience for his future projects, clapping and cheering as loud as anyone.”

Sam will pass his Del Sol violin “baton” to Hyeyung in mid-March 2023.

Hyeyung Sol Yoon

Photo credit: Shirley Yu (shirleyshotyu.com)
Dress: NOT by Jenny Lai (notaligne.com)