Younje Cho

Younje Cho (b. 1990)  is a composer of instrumental and electroacoustic music, driven by a profound exploration of the transformative power of sound and its effects on psychological and instinctual experiences. With a deep love for nature and animals, Cho's compositions reflect his compassionate stance on environmental issues, climate change, and the impact of human actions on nature and animals. His work encourages listeners to embrace a perspective that considers humans as an integral part of nature, advocating for a harmonious coexistence. By delving into the core emotions and sentiments evoked by sound and music, Cho aspires to create a pan-natural sound that reveals the essence and instincts found in nature, including human nature. Selected for the 2023 Korean National Symphony Orchestra (KNSO) Composers' Atelier and commissioned by the KNSO, Cho's accolades include winning third prize in the American Prize chamber music division, receiving honorable mentions and a commission in the Hangzhou Contemporary Music Festival “Artinno Award,” International Orchestral Composition Competition, being named one of the three finalists for the 2022 Seoul International Music Festival Call for Scores, and as the winner of the 2022 Georgina Joshi Composition Commission Award, he was commissioned by the Indiana University New Music Ensemble in conjunction with the Dean’s Prize. Cho’s honors further encompass winning the Seoul New Music Festival’s call for scores, the Music Association of Korea Competition, and securing third place in the Hwacheon Bimok Concours. He has served as the music director of the 29 Second Film Festival by the Korea Economic Daily, composer-in-residence in the Aca Celli Cello Ensemble, instructor at Mu-Company and Dong-Sung High School, and reporter at the Society of Music Composition and Research. His works have been performed by renowned ensembles such as Coram Deo, Spektral Quartet, Keon Woo Piano Ensemble, Hye Eum Piano Ensemble, Piano Echo, Y-Us Piano Ensemble, Ewha Brillante, and Communion Ensemble. Furthermore, he has actively participated in various music festivals, including the Bowdoin International Music Festival, Seoul New Music Festival, and Jecheon International Film Music Festival. Born and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Younje Cho holds a master's degree in composition and computer music composition from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he also served as a Music Theory Associate Instructor. He completed his bachelor's degree at Yonsei University in Seoul in 2018. Throughout his education, Cho received guidance and mentorship from esteemed composition teachers including David Dzubay, John Gibson, Chi Wang, Andreia Pinto Correia, P.Q. Phan, Aaron Travers, Jiesun Lim, Hong-Seok Lee, and Yie-Eun Chun.