Jun Kim and the Washington Chamber Orchestra earned international recognition after performing at the American Academy of Achievement’s International Achievement Summit in Washington, D.C. The orchestra was invited to appear at the prestigious event for the second time, marking another milestone for the ensemble under Kim’s leadership.
Kim, who has served as the orchestra’s artistic director since 2014 and is a music professor at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Peck School of the Arts, led the performance on June 24. The concert formed part of the America 250 celebration, which honors the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States.
The International Achievement Summit is held every two years and brings together leaders from science, medicine, business, public service, and the arts. This year’s gathering took place at the historic Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium, located near the White House, and welcomed many distinguished guests from around the world.
The event featured well-known figures from music and the arts, including Andrew Lloyd Webber, Carole King, Renée Fleming, and architect Moshe Safdie. Their participation highlighted the summit’s tradition of celebrating excellence across many fields.
Kim described the invitation as an important honor for both himself and the orchestra. He said returning to the summit reflects the group’s continued artistic excellence and professional reputation. He also noted that providing music for such an important international gathering was a meaningful achievement for the entire ensemble.
While the audience experienced a polished performance, months of careful planning took place behind the scenes. The Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium was transformed into a fully equipped concert venue capable of hosting both the Washington Chamber Orchestra and the 250-member Millennial Choir.
The production required extensive technical preparation. Every section of the orchestra needed dedicated microphones and monitors, while lighting, sound, and video systems had to work together throughout rehearsals and the live performance.
Kim worked closely with orchestra members, choir singers, guest artists, sound engineers, stage managers, and production crews during rehearsals. His responsibilities extended beyond conducting the music, as he also coordinated with the technical team to ensure each performance remained synchronized with production cues.
During the evening, the orchestra shared the stage with violinist Joshua Bell, mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, singer-songwriter Carole King, and the Millennial Choir. Each collaboration required detailed preparation to ensure smooth transitions throughout the program.
One of the most unique moments came during the performance with Carole King. Because King performed alongside her own session musicians, Kim relied on live instructions delivered through an in-ear monitor while conducting the orchestra. This allowed the orchestral performance to remain perfectly aligned with the event’s production schedule.
Kim praised the production team for its professionalism and attention to detail. He said watching the technical staff manage every aspect of the performance was just as inspiring as the music itself. Their careful planning helped create a seamless experience for both performers and the audience.
Following the concert, Kim reflected on the significance of bringing together leaders from many different professions. He said music played an important role in connecting people while celebrating outstanding achievements from around the world.
Kim also believes experiences like this benefit his students at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. He said real-world performances at major international events provide valuable lessons that go beyond technical musical skills.
According to Kim, successful performances depend on preparation, teamwork, patience, and professionalism as much as artistic talent. He encourages students to understand that musical excellence comes from consistent effort and collaboration.
He hopes his students also recognize the broader impact of music in society. Major events like the International Achievement Summit demonstrate how music can unite people, mark historic occasions, and create lasting memories for audiences from many different backgrounds.
The Washington Chamber Orchestra’s second invitation to perform at the summit highlights the ensemble’s growing reputation on the international stage. For Kim, the experience represents not only a personal achievement but also an opportunity to inspire future musicians and demonstrate how dedication to excellence can create meaningful contributions through music.
