Kids love music, but even more, they love musical instruments! Add hands-on fun and you’ve got a hit. Professional musicians from the Madison Symphony Orchestra bring the instruments, you bring the kids!

Each session we’ll meet a new musician with a new instrument, during this gentle, personal introduction to classical music and musical instruments. This week we’ll meet clarinetist, JJ Koh.

Hailed by The Columbus Dispatch as having “gorgeous sound and dynamic nuance”, JJ Koh joined the Madison Symphony Orchestra as Principal Clarinet in 2016. In addition, he holds a position with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. Prior to joining the MSO, JJ was a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. He has performed with Toronto Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Milwaukee Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, New World Symphony, and ProMusica Chamber Orchestras as well as the Lexington Philharmonic.

Mr. Koh is a founding member of the Arundo Donax Reed Quintet, a winner of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. Since then, the group has premiered and recorded multiple works, taught master classes, and performed in various concert settings all over the country. As principal clarinetist of KammerMahler, JJ participated in a world premier recording project, which featured chamber versions of Gustav Mahler’s Fourth and Ninth Symphonies. He also premiered Kaleidoscope by Perry Goldstein, which was recorded through New Dynamic Records.

Summer festival appearances include the National Repertory Orchestra, Lake George Music Festival, Lakes Area Music Festival, Chautauqua Symphony Orchestra, and for four summers he has held a Fellowship at the Aspen Music Festival and School. As an Associate Instructor of Clarinet at Indiana University, he completed his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees under the instruction of Eli Eban and James Campbell. His Master’s recital received special recognition by being awarded the Performer’s Certificate.