Young-ja Lee (born 4 June 1931) is a South Korean music educator and composer. She is considered by many the greatest living female Korean composer.

Life and career

Born in

Wonju Wonju () is the most populous city in Gangwon Province, South Korea. The city is located approximately east of Seoul. Wonju was the site of three crucial battles during the Korean War. Geography Wonju sits at the southwestern corner of Gangw ...

, she studied at

Ewha Womans University Ewha Womans University () is a private women's university in Seoul founded in 1886 by Mary F. Scranton under Emperor Gojong. It was the first university founded in South Korea. Currently, Ewha is one of the world's largest female educational ins ...

, the

Conservatoire de Paris The Conservatoire de Paris (), also known as the Paris Conservatory, is a college of music and dance founded in 1795. Officially known as the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris (CNSMDP), it is situated in the avenue ...

, and the

Royal Conservatory of Brussels The Royal Conservatory of Brussels (french: Conservatoire royal de Bruxelles, nl, Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel) is a historic conservatory in Brussels, Belgium. Starting its activities in 1813, it received its official name in 1832. Provid ...

. She continued her education at the

Manhattan School of Music The Manhattan School of Music (MSM) is a private music conservatory in New York City. The school offers bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in the areas of classical and jazz performance and composition, as well as a bachelor's in mu ...

. Lee endured hardships during the Japanese occupation and Korean War, but emerged to become one of the dominant forces in Korean music in the 20th century. She was one of the six founding members of the Korean Society of Women Composers and served as the first president for the organization. She is often called the "Face and Mother of Korean Modern Music." Her works have been performed internationally and are available as recordings. Young-Ja Lee's music combines elements from French, West African, Indonesian gamelan, and traditional Korean music, creating unusual intercultural compositions. She is also noted for her particular mixtures of Western and Korean music.

Works

Selected works include: *''Pelerinage de l’Ame'' for Violin, Cello, and Piano *''Trio'' for flute, clarinet and bassoon *''Variations for piano'' *''Lament for three kotos'' *''Six songs'' *''Réminiscences de la Proven''

References

1931 births Living people 20th-century classical composers Conservatoire de Paris alumni South Korean music educators South Korean classical composers South Korean expatriates in Belgium South Korean expatriates in France Royal Conservatory of Brussels alumni Women classical composers South Korean women Women music educators 20th-century women composers {{Women's-History-stub