Hye-Jung Hong Archives - Reynolds College Blog

University orchestra performs at Carnegie Hall

July 25, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

The Missouri State University Symphony Orchestra performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City June 13, 2024, with Dr. Christopher Kelts conducting.

Woman and man hug after music performance — Missouri State alum Jiyeon Lee shares a hug with conductor Dr. Christopher Kelts after performing “Rhapsody in Blue.”

The program included Leonard Bernstein’s “Overture to ‘Candide,’” emeritus professor Dr. John Prescott’s “Adagio from Baroque Concerto, Op. 77a” and Florence Price’s “‘Adoration’ for String Orchestra.”

In addition, the orchestra performed George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” accompanied by solo pianist Jiyeon Lee.

Lee, a Missouri State alum, studied with Dr. Hye-Jung Hong, associate professor in the Department of Music.

“Carnegie Hall is one of the most prestigious venues in the world for music, and it was so exciting to hear our own MSU Symphony students perform there,” said Dr. Paula Patterson, head of the music department.

“The University Symphony performed superbly,” Kelts said.

According to Patterson, several individuals connected with Missouri State attended the performance. These included music faculty, parents, alumni, former MSU president Clif Smart and Dean Shawn Wahl of the Reynolds College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities (RCASH).

MSU dominates at 2023 MMTA and MTNA auditions

December 15, 2023 by Reynolds College

Students representing Missouri State University’s Department of Music won several awards at the Missouri Music Teachers Association (MMTA) and Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) auditions, held Nov. 2-5 at University of Missouri-Kansas City.

MMTA auditions are yearly, state-level auditions held at different universities across Missouri every November.

Nineteen MSU students competed in a field of over 500 students in this year’s events. [Read more…] about MSU dominates at 2023 MMTA and MTNA auditions

Missouri State piano faculty perform at Italian festival

September 19, 2023 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Dr. Hye-Jung Hong and Dr. Wei-Han Su, piano faculty in the Department of Music, were invited to teach and to perform as guest artists at the IPPA Conero International Piano Festival in Recanati, Italy, August 1-10.

Both professors were invited to the festival through the recommendation of professional peers, according to Hong. “Our reputation as performers and educators drew the attention of the director of the IPPA,” Hong said.