Conversations with Heesun Choi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Heesun Choi.

Hi Heesun, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey has always been guided by a deep devotion to music and its ability to connect communities across boundaries. I began my training in South Korea at Yewon School, Seoul Arts High School, and Seoul National University, before moving to Germany to complete my Diplom and Konzertexamen at the Robert Schumann Hochschule Düsseldorf and Folkwang University of the Arts in Essen with top honors.
Throughout my career as a classical violinist, I’ve had the privilege of serving as Concertmaster for the Philharmonie Südwestfalen (Südwestfalen Symphony Orchestra), Principal First Violinist with the Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra, and leader in period-instrument ensembles. However, moving to Southern California opened a new chapter for me. I realized that beyond the stage, my true passion lies in nurturing the next generation of musical talent and building standard-setting cultural platforms.
This vision led to the establishment of the Fernweh Music Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to music education, youth leadership, and international artistic exchange. “Fernweh” represents a yearning for distant places—a longing to explore, expand horizons, and connect through art. Through initiatives like the Fernweh International Young Artists Competition (IYAC), the newly launched Irvine Youth Orchestra, and our international platform Fernweh Masters, we strive to empower young musicians not just to perform, but to grow into compassionate leaders and artistic ambassadors.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It certainly hasn’t been a completely smooth road, but every challenge has been an invaluable learning experience. Transitioning from a professional violinist—where the primary focus was artistic perfection on stage—to founding and leading a non-profit foundation required a major shift in mindset.
Building an international competition like the Fernweh International Young Artists Competition (IYAC) and establishing new performing groups like the Irvine Youth Orchestra meant learning how to navigate non-profit administration, venue logistics, fundraising, and global outreach from the ground up. Balancing the rigorous artistic standards of classical music with the practical realities of managing budget, schedules, and cross-continental collaborations was a steep learning curve.
However, overcoming these hurdles was possible thanks to a deeply dedicated team and supportive community partners. Looking back, these challenges weren’t roadblocks; they were essential stepping stones that helped solidify our foundation and redefined my purpose as an arts leader.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As the Founder and CEO of the Fernweh Music Foundation and an active violinist, my work bridges high-level artistic performance with non-profit cultural leadership. I specialize in both classical repertoire and historical period-instrument performance, drawing from my background as concertmaster and principal in Europe and Korea.
What truly sets our foundation apart is our extraordinary roster of artists and mentors. The members of our Fernweh Chamber Orchestra—who also serve as the dedicated faculty for the Irvine Youth Orchestra—consist of seasoned international artists and active performers from world-class stages. Having walked the same path, our faculty translates their first-hand, real-world stage experience into authentic mentorship. We designed both the Fernweh International Young Artists Competition (IYAC) and our youth orchestra programs from the perspective of active performers, focusing on what young artists truly need to thrive.
Through IYAC and Fernweh Masters, we provide a transparent, merit-based platform evaluated by globally respected figures. Meanwhile, our youth orchestra offers young musicians an inspiring environment to master technical precision, ensemble discipline, and compassionate leadership. I am most proud of building this bridge between active international masters and the next generation, helping young talents find their true voice on meaningful stages.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my most cherished childhood memories is the moment I first felt completely captivated by the sound of the violin. I remember listening to a live performance as a young girl and feeling an overwhelming sense of wonder—it was the moment I knew music would be my lifelong companion.
Another unforgettable memory comes from my student days in South Korea, spending countless hours rehearsing chamber music and orchestral pieces with my peers. We would practice until late in the evening, fully absorbed in blending our individual voices into a single, harmonious sound. That pure joy of making music together—the shared breathing, the unspoken communication, and the collective passion—left a lasting impression on my heart.
Looking back, those early childhood experiences weren’t just fond memories; they became the emotional foundation of my career. They inspired my desire to create spaces like the Fernweh Music Foundation, where young artists today can experience that same magic, discover their passion, and build lifelong connections through music.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fernweh-iyac.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fernwehcompetition