Two alumni will son be playing not far from where they studied at SFCM. Ben Brogadir and Mijing Kim will be joining the Berkeley Symphony, and making their debut in April, 2023.

Ben Brogadir (MM ‘20) will be joining as Principal Oboe, “I’m thrilled to be taking on the position of Principal Oboe with the Berkeley Symphony. It’s given me the opportunity to share my voice in a leadership role with the orchestra and continue making music in a community I truly love being a part of,” Brogadir said.

While at SFCM Brogadir studied with professor Eugene Izotov: “My time at SFCM and the mentorship I’ve had from Eugene Izotov have been absolutely integral in preparing me for the professional world,” Brogadir continued, “Mr. Izotov’s guidance not only provided me the tools to be successful in the audition process, but also the musical maturity, instrumental skills, and confidence needed to perform as a principal player with the orchestra.”

Mijung Kim (PSC ‘17) will be the new Assistant Principal Second Violin to the orchestra. “When I played with the Berkeley Symphony a few years ago, I really liked that Berkeley Symphony included volunteer players and professional orchestra members. So I am glad to be a member of the orchestra,” she said in a statement. (Kim was previously a member of the California Symphony.)

Both musicians will make their debut in Berkeley Symphony’s Symphonic II: Connections on April 2, 2023.

Learn more about studying oboe or violin at SFCM.