Passing of Prof. Chang-Kook Kim
It is with profound sadness that the Kobe International Flute Competition announces the passing of its Honorary Jury Chairperson Chang-Kook Kim, who was deeply involved in the establishment of the KIFC and played a vital role for many years afterward, on July 15th, 2022, at the age of 80.
He began playing flute while attending at the Kobe High School and studied at the Tokyo University of the Arts. He won the first prize at the Music Competition of Japan in 1967, and the highest prize at the Geneva International Music Competition in 1969. After playing with the Hannover State Opera Orchestra as a principal flute, he dedicated to music education at the Tokyo University of the Arts where he taught many young musicians from 1981 to 2010. He also continued his performance activities vigorously with Ensemble of Tokyo.
Taken the lead with Prof. Masao Yoshida at the establishment of the KIFC, Prof. Kim contributed his services as jury and management committee on the basis of the KIFC’s basic principle, which is being impartial composition of jury irrespective to any school, from the first to eight edition of the competition. And, during his tenure, he brought internationally renowned musicians, such as Rampal, Nicolet, Baker, Jaunet, and Meisen, to its jury panel and strengthened its foundation to be known as one of the best flute competitions in the world.
We pray from the depth of our hearts for the loss of Prof. Kim.
Management Committee of the Kobe International Flute Competition