Julian Kim’s Musical Voyage: A Celebration of Concerts
1. Early Career (-2004)
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Julian Kim began to gain recognition during his time at Sunhwa Arts High School by excelling in various competitions. He won awards at the National Opera Company of Korea's Vocal Competition for High School Students, the Lee Dae-Woong Music Scholarship Foundation Korean Vocal Competition, and the Shin Young-Ok Competition, gaining attention within Korea. These achievements led to his participation in the Next Generation Concert Leading the 21st Century at Ceramic Palace Hall in 2004.
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In his senior year of high school in 2004, he received the Special Prize for Youngest Competitor at the Aragall International Singing Competition in Spain, gaining recognition in Europe. This accomplishment paved the way for his admission to the Milan Conservatory in Italy.​
2. Studies at Milan Conservatory (2004–2010)
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During his time at the Milan Conservatory, Julian Kim actively participated in numerous competitions, demonstrating his talent. He performed in final concerts, featuring arias and songs from the competitions where he reached the finals. He primarily sang opera arias and Italian art songs during this period.
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He also performed at the Mozart 250th Anniversary Concert alongside his university professor and released an album following performances at the conservatory. He made his debut as Count Almaviva in The Marriage of Figaro in Locarno, Switzerland. In 2008, he held his first solo recital, Baritone Julian Kim Recital, at the Youngsan Art Hall in Korea.ebut in La Traviata.
​In 2009, he won the Riccardo Zandonai Competition, where he was cast as Figaro in Il barbiere di Siviglia. This led to his debut at the Pergolesi Theatre in Italy. After his debut, he continued performing Figaro in various cities across Italy and made his debut in La Traviata.
He established himself in Italian opera houses, performing major roles such as Paolo Albiani in Simon Boccanegra, Belcore in L’elisir d’amore, Figaro in Il barbiere di Siviglia, and Marcello in La Bohème. He performed at prestigious venues, including La Fenice and the Rome Opera Theatre, as well as in Korea.
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In 2015, he held a concert at the Seoul Arts Center, showcasing a repertoire of Italian opera pieces that highlighted his success in Italian opera. Additionally, he expanded his artistic repertoire by performing in commemorative events and large-scale gala concerts, showcasing diverse musical works.
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He collaborated with renowned conductors such as Myung-Whun Chung and Antonio Pappano, performing in works like Mahler’s Symphony No. 8, Don Carlo, Fidelio, and Das Rheingold, further establishing himself as a world-class opera star.
3. International Recognition and Operatic Growth (2010–2017)
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Julian Kim solidified his position on the international opera stage by winning awards at the Viñas Competition, Verdi Competition, and Viotti Competition, among others. Notably, his first-place win at the Toulouse International Vocal Competition greatly strengthened his operatic career.
4. Phantom Singer and Miraclass (2017–2018)
​In 2017, while actively performing in productions like La Bohème and Il barbiere di Siviglia at La Fenice and La Traviata in Peru, Julian Kim participated in JTBC’s Phantom Singer 2. Through the show, he presented a variety of music genres to the public, including classical vocal music, art songs, pop, and rock, which he performed during the finals.​ Following the show, he began performing at gala concerts, broadening his musical scope and building a connection with his audience.
5. A Balance of Italian Opera, Miraclass, and Solo Concerts (2018–2020)
​After Phantom Singer 2, Julian Kim continued to be highly active in Italian opera, performing extensively at La Fenice, where he received acclaim for his portrayal of Rodrigo in Don Carlo.​ In parallel, he performed with Miraclass and held solo concerts in cities including Seoul. While he primarily introduced Korean audiences to classical vocal works such as art songs and arias, he also explored other genres such as film music, K-pop, and musicals in his performances with Miraclass and Phantom Singer galas. He further engaged in social outreach through concerts with organizations such as the Heart-to-Heart Foundation, emphasizing the importance of community engagement.
6. COVID-19 and Post-COVID Era (2020–2022)​
During the COVID-19 pandemic, performance opportunities were scarce, but Julian Kim participated in multiple performances of original cantatas. He also gained significant recognition with Miraclass through Phantom Singer All Stars, which led to a successful concert tour.​ In 2021 and 2022, he performed in 24 and 33 concerts, respectively.
His solo concerts during this period reflected a noticeable shift in his musical approach. While the May 2022 concert emphasized his operatic roots, the July 2022 concert showcased a more diverse and contemporary repertoire, signaling a new direction.
7. Musical Theatre and Artistic Expansion (2023–2025)
​In 2023, Julian Kim made his musical theater debut as the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera. He performed 75 shows throughout the year, in addition to eight solo concerts and two Miraclass Film Music Concerts. His concert, Julian Kim Music Library Act 4: L’invito, held in December 2023, highlighted his expanding musical spectrum, including a growing interest in musical numbers and popular music. ​In 2024, he transitioned to another musical, Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812, where he portrayed Pierre Bezukhov, delving into the emotional depths of a joyous yet chaotic festival atmosphere. He also continued performing in crossover concerts, classical arias, and symphonic works, maintaining a balance between his baritone repertoire and new musical explorations. ​Notably, in the 30th anniversary production of the Korean original musical The Last Empress, he took on the role of Emperor Gojong, showcasing his ability to blend operatic skills with the dramatic demands of musical theater. His vocal interpretation conveyed the passage of 30 years, evolving from youthful tones to mature expressions.​
Among nearly 200 concerts over the past two decades, Julian Kim has performed in distinguished events alongside renowned collaborators such as Myung-whun Chung and Antonio Pappano, with prestigious institutions including Teatro La Fenice, Teatro dell'Opera di Roma, and the Salzburg Festival.
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In addition to these collaborations, he has also held solo concerts, showcasing his expanding musical repertoire across various genres.
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Explore these notable performances through the link below. A comprehensive list of all concerts is also available.