Violinist David Kim, concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra, will join the BJU Symphony Orchestra Thursday night for the first Artist Series program of the year, playing several solos and even helping to lead the orchestra during one piece. 

Kim joins the orchestra under the direction of Dr. Michael Moore for an eclectic assortment of music, including Antonín Dvořák’s “Carnival Overture” and selections from the “Holberg Suite” by Edvard Grieg, which will be played without a conductor. For this selection, Kim himself will lead the orchestra from the front of the violin section, where he will sit as guest concertmaster.

Moore said this setup will help students focus on the music rather than the movement of the conductor. In addition, seeing an orchestra perform without a conductor will be a first-time experience for some students.

Concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra since 1998, Kim appears in concert around the world, while also teaching master classes and arranging music. As a believer, he uses his musical talents as a tool to spread the gospel and share his testimony.

In addition to Thursday’s concert, Kim will give a free master class in Stratton Hall Wednesday from 4 until 5:30 p.m., which will be open to all students and faculty. Moore said he is excited for students to be able to interact with and learn from a professional musician like Kim.

Having a concert just a month after the semester starts is exciting, but has presented a unique challenge: the 60-member orchestra will have just 12 rehearsals before the performance, including only three with Kim.

But Moore said he’s confident that the symphony’s members will be more than ready by Oct. 2.

From its “colorful, splashy, lift-you-out-of-your-seat” opening to the very last note, Moore hopes the concert will remind the audience that music is a gift from God and is worthy of time and enjoyment.