We were lucky to catch up with Joung-a Monica Yum recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Joung-A Monica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve been working on as the Artistic Director of Adoro Ensemble is the English Rehearsal Seminar, a platform designed to help Korean students learn how to rehearse in English and gain practical experience in an English-speaking musical environment. This annual seminar, held every summer in South Korea, allows students to work directly with me, honing their musical and linguistic skills while exploring the dynamics of professional rehearsals.
Adoro Ensemble is a professional vocal ensemble based in Los Angeles and Seoul, dedicated to connecting diverse musical traditions through innovative performances. Our repertoire focuses on early music—Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque works—while also exploring cross-cultural programs that merge Western and Asian musical traditions. Over the years, Adoro Ensemble has become known for its thoughtful and engaging concerts, creating meaningful connections between audiences and performers.
The English Rehearsal Seminar emerged as an extension of Adoro Ensemble’s mission to foster cross-cultural understanding. Inspired by my own experiences as an international student in the United States, I understand the challenges of adapting to rehearsals in a foreign language, from mastering musical terminology to understanding subtle cultural nuances. These experiences shaped me as a global musician and inspired me to create a program that prepares Korean students for similar opportunities.
In the seminar, participants are immersed in an English-speaking rehearsal environment. They rehearse repertoire that bridges Western and Korean musical traditions, learning to communicate their ideas, respond to feedback, and engage with ensemble dynamics in a professional context.
Looking toward the future, I envision expanding the seminar by bringing Adoro Los Angeles to South Korea. This initiative will allow students to rehearse and perform alongside native English-speaking singers, offering a fully immersive and transformative experience. Together with Adoro Seoul, this collaboration will culminate in joint performances, where audiences in South Korea can experience the combined artistry of both ensembles. Through these efforts, Adoro Ensemble will continue to demonstrate the power of music as a universal language, transcending borders and fostering understanding.
What makes the English Rehearsal Seminar so meaningful is the transformation I see in participants every summer. Students arrive hesitant about their language abilities or unsure of how to navigate an international rehearsal environment, but they leave empowered, inspired, and ready to take their place on the global stage.
The seminar has also deepened my connection to Adoro Ensemble’s dual roots in Los Angeles and Seoul. It represents a bridge between my own experiences as a musician and educator and my desire to prepare the next generation of global artists.
As Adoro Ensemble continues to grow, I’m excited to see how projects like the English Rehearsal Seminar and our upcoming concerts will shape the ensemble’s legacy. Whether through performances in Los Angeles, Seoul, or beyond or through initiatives that nurture young musicians, Adoro Ensemble remains committed to building bridges between cultures and bringing people together through the universal language of music.
Joung-A Monica, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My life’s work is guided by a central theme: bridging and connection through music.
Whether I’m conducting, performing, or teaching, my mission is to create meaningful connections that transcend boundaries and bring people closer together.
I’m Joung-A Monica Yum, the Artistic Director of Adoro Ensemble, and the Music Director at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Westwood.
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My Journey: From Piano to Bridging Worlds Through Music
My journey into the world of music began with piano performance, a foundation that instilled in me discipline, artistry, and a deep love for music. As I grew, I discovered the transformative power of the human voice and how it could be used to tell stories, evoke emotions, and unite communities. This led me to choral conducting, a field where I could work collaboratively to create music that inspires and connects.
Moving to the United States from South Korea to study music was a transformative experience. As an international student, I faced cultural and linguistic challenges, particularly in rehearsals. However, these experiences taught me resilience and adaptability while deepening my appreciation for music’s ability to transcend language and cultural barriers. This belief in the universal power of music has become the cornerstone of my career and life philosophy.
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My Dissertation: Bridging Traditions Through Music
My doctoral dissertation, Recontextualizing Diverse Vocal Traditions Using Extended Vocal Technique Notation and Symbology: A Case Study Using Korean Pansori Singing Style, embodies my life’s theme of bridging and connection. In this research, I explored how Korean pansori, a traditional narrative singing technique, could be adapted for Western choral contexts using innovative notation and performance practices.
This work goes beyond academic inquiry—it’s a creative endeavor to unite distinct traditions and demonstrate how music can serve as a bridge between cultures. By bringing the expressive depth of pansori into the Western choral world, I aim to celebrate diversity while fostering mutual understanding. These ideas also inform my work with Adoro Ensemble, where we embrace music from all genres and traditions to create transformative and inclusive performances.
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Adoro Ensemble: A Platform for Connection Through Music
Adoro Ensemble is a professional vocal ensemble based in Los Angeles and Seoul. With a repertoire that spans early music, contemporary compositions, and cross-cultural programs, Adoro is a platform for connection—connecting performers and audiences, traditions and innovations, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Our concerts are thoughtfully curated to reflect this mission.
The May-drigal Project, an annual spring concert in Pacific Opera Project, celebrates the timeless themes of Renaissance madrigals and connects them to modern audiences. And for the Holiday concert in December, we will present Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols and Yoni Fogelman’s Jewish reinterpretation of the piece, a program that explores interfaith dialogue through music.
This January, Adoro Ensemble will have a joint concert with The Schola Cantorum at St. Paul the Apostle Church to celebrate the Catholic Jubilee Year 2025 and the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. This program exemplifies Adoro’s commitment to creating music that resonates spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually.
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The English Rehearsal Seminar: Bridging Worlds Through Education
One of my most cherished projects is the English Rehearsal Seminar, an annual program held in South Korea. This initiative helps Korean musicians experience rehearsals conducted in English, equipping them with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in global musical environments.
Inspired by my own experiences as an international student, the seminar is about more than language—it’s about building bridges, fostering collaboration, and celebrating the unique artistry of every participant. My vision is to expand this program by bringing Adoro Los Angeles to South Korea, enabling students to collaborate with native English-speaking singers and participate in joint performances that embody the unifying power of music.
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My Vision: Bridging and Connection Through Music
At the heart of everything I do is the belief that music is a bridge—a way to connect people, cultures, and ideas. Through my dissertation, my work with Adoro Ensemble, and my educational initiatives, I aim to inspire connection, celebrate diversity, and create transformative musical experiences.
Whether it’s a madrigal that transcends centuries, a motet that lifts the spirit, or a young musician finding their voice, I strive to create moments where music brings us closer to one another and something greater.
I always invite people to join me on this journey of bridging and connection through music. Whether they’re audience members, fellow musicians, or someone passionate about the transformative power of the arts, I hope my work inspires people to see the beauty in diversity and the possibilities of collaboration.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story. I look forward to connecting further and sharing the music that moves me and so many others.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
Resilience has been a recurring theme in my journey as an artist, shaping both my personal growth and my approach to music. Two defining moments in my life have tested this resilience and taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and the unyielding power of connection.
The first came when I left South Korea to study music in the United States. It was an exciting yet daunting leap of faith. As an international student, I faced the challenge of adapting to a new culture, language, and way of life. Rehearsals, in particular, were intimidating—while music is a universal language, rehearsing requires nuanced communication. Discussing interpretations, responding to feedback, and collaborating in an English-speaking environment often left me doubting my abilities.
Rather than letting these challenges discourage me, I embraced them as opportunities to grow. I immersed myself in learning, practicing language skills alongside my music, translating scores, and observing how rehearsals operated in this new context. Over time, I transformed my initial struggles into strengths, becoming not only comfortable but confident in navigating this new world. This experience shaped me as a musician and educator, teaching me that resilience is about embracing discomfort to find new possibilities.
The second test of resilience came during the pandemic, when singing together—the very essence of my work—was one of the first activities deemed unsafe. Choir rehearsals, performances, and even small gatherings were suddenly impossible. It was a heartbreaking loss of connection for me, my ensembles, and the communities we served.
Despite the challenges, I found ways to adapt. I turned to virtual platforms, creating spaces where singers could come together, even if only digitally. Though it wasn’t the same as being in person, these virtual rehearsals provided a lifeline, keeping the spirit of music alive during an isolating time. I also encouraged singers to develop their musicianship, focusing on solo practice and exploring new interpretations.
These two experiences taught me that resilience is not just about enduring challenges—it’s about finding ways to grow and connect, even when the circumstances are less than ideal. As an international student, I learned how to overcome cultural and linguistic barriers to thrive in a global setting. During the pandemic, I learned to reimagine the role of music, proving that it can sustain us even when we are physically apart.
Today, these lessons inform every aspect of my work. Whether it’s through the English Rehearsal Seminar—where I empower Korean students to navigate global musical environments—or performances with Adoro Ensemble that celebrate the universal language of music, I strive to create connections that transcend boundaries and inspire resilience in others.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that success in music—or life—meant fitting into others’ perspectives and expectations. As a musician, especially early in my career, I often felt the pressure to conform to established norms and to create in ways that aligned with what others thought was “correct” or “acceptable.”
This mindset was especially strong when I moved to the United States to study music. As an international student, I felt a deep desire to prove myself, to adapt quickly, and to blend seamlessly into a new cultural and artistic environment. I focused so much on meeting external expectations that I sometimes lost touch with my voice and perspective.
The turning point came during my doctoral studies when I began exploring Korean pansori singing techniques in the context of Western choral music for my dissertation. Initially, I hesitated to fully embrace this direction. It was unconventional, and I worried about whether it would resonate with others or be seen as valid within the academic and professional communities. But as I delved deeper, I realized that this work was an authentic reflection of who I was—a blend of my heritage, my education, and my artistic vision.
By committing to this project, I began to let go of the idea that my work had to fit neatly into pre-existing frameworks. Instead, I focused on creating something meaningful to me and true to my artistic mission. This shift not only deepened my connection to my work but also allowed me to contribute something unique to the field—bridging Korean and Western traditions in ways that celebrate their individuality while fostering connection.
This lesson has profoundly influenced my approach to music and leadership. In my work with Adoro Ensemble, I strive to create programs that are authentic to our collective vision, even if they defy traditional categories. In my English Rehearsal Seminar, I encourage students to find their voices and embrace the uniqueness they bring to the global stage.
Unlearning the need to fit into others’ perspectives has allowed me to focus on building bridges, fostering connection, and creating work that is not only technically excellent but also deeply personal and transformative. It’s a lesson I carry with me every day as I strive to inspire others to embrace their perspectives and trust the power of their unique stories.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://adoroensemble.com
- Instagram: @conductor_yum / @adoroensemble
- Facebook: Joung-A Monica Yum
