Jiji Kim

Praised by The Washington Post for her “mesmerizing” and “stirring” performances, JIJI is an adventurous guitarist known for her virtuosity and command of diverse repertoire. Equally at home with both acoustic and electric guitar, her concert programs range from traditional and contemporary classical to free improvisation.

Through her impeccable musicianship, compelling stage presence, and commitment to commissioning and performing new musical works, JIJI has solidified her reputation as a top 21st- century guitarist. In 2021, The Washington Post selected JIJI as “one of the 21 composers/performers who sound like tomorrow,” and The Kansas City Star recently described her as “a graceful and nuanced player.” In recent seasons, JIJI has presented solo recitals at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall; Lincoln Center; 92nd Street Y; Caramoor; Celebrity Series of Boston; Caffe Lena; Tippet Rise Art Center; San Francisco’s Herbst Theatre; and the National Gallery of Art, among other distinguished venues. Her performances have been featured on PBS’s On Stage at Curtis, NPR’s From the Top, WHYY-TV, FOX 4-TV, The Vice Channel’s Munchies , Channel 6 Kansas’s The Not So Late Show, and Hong Kong broadcast station RTHK’s The Works. In 2016, she became the first guitarist in 30 years to secure first prize in the Concert Artists Guild Competition.

JIJI’s 2025-2026 begins with debut performances of Joaquin Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez at the Grand Teton Music Festival with Stéphane Denève and with the Auckland Philharmonia. Other highlights include a debut with the Detroit Symphony, performing works by Arvo Pärt and Vivaldi, Rodrigo with the Amarillo Symphony, Colorado Springs Philharmonic, and Auburn Symphony. Major recitals include BroadStage in Santa Monica, the Ellnora Guitar Festival at the Krannert Center, St. Louis Classical Guitar Society, San Francisco Performances in a duo recital with Jason Vieaux as well as her recital debut in Seoul, Korea. JIJI makes her London debut at the Barbican in a Julius Eastman project with the American Modern Opera Company.