SUYEON KO FLUTIST
Dr. Suyeon Ko is a distinguished flutist, educator, and advocate for contemporary music, currently serving as Assistant Professor of Flute at Kent State University and as Second Flute with the Des Moines Metro Opera. Renowned for her versatility, Dr. Ko’s career spans solo, chamber, and orchestral performance, as well as an ongoing commitment to expanding the flute repertoire and advocating for underrepresented composers, particularly from East Asia.
A native of South Korea, Dr. Ko’s academic path brought her to the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where she earned a Doctor of Music in Flute Performance in 2019. Her doctoral research explored the musical philosophy and style of Korean composer Younghi Pagh-Paan, underscoring her passion for integrating East Asian musical traditions into Western classical music. Dr. Ko also holds a Performer Diploma from Indiana University, a Master of Music from the University of North Texas, and a Bachelor of Music from Jeju National University in South Korea.
Dr. Ko’s performance career is both dynamic and diverse. She is currently the second flutist with the Des Moines Metro Opera and has performed with notable ensembles such as the Erie Philharmonic, Quad City Symphony Orchestra, South Bend Symphony Orchestra, and Knox-Galesburg Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, she is a founding member of Volante Winds, a woodwind quintet that has toured extensively across the U.S. and East Asia, performing contemporary works and engaging audiences with new music. Dr. Ko is also a frequent performer at prestigious festivals, including the National Flute Association and the Chicago Flute Club, where she has presented innovative programs focused on Korean and East Asian composers.
Dr. Ko is also highly regarded as a clinician and masterclass presenter. She has been invited to teach and perform at institutions such as the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of North Texas, and the Texas Summer Flute Symposium. Her performances and scholarly work have fostered a greater awareness of East Asian music within the classical flute community and beyond, establishing her as a leading voice in the promotion of global diversity in the arts.
Through her multifaceted career, Dr. Ko continues to push the boundaries of flute performance, education, and cultural inclusivity. Whether through her work as a performer, educator, or advocate, she is dedicated to enriching the musical world with new perspectives, compelling interpretations, and an ever-expanding body of flute repertoire.