Joanna Park is from Seattle, Washington, and began playing the violin at the age of seven, studying from an young age with Ronald Patterson at the University of Washington. Joanna received her Bachelor of Music from Rice University Shepherd School of Music where she studied with Kenneth Goldsmith. Joanna then moved to London to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama under Jacqueline Ross, graduating with a Master of Music Performance with distinction.
Since moving to London, Joanna has performed with numerous orchestras, including the Guildhall Symphony and Chamber Orchestra, the Barbican Chamber Orchestra, and the Gooden.semble Orchestra at Goodenough College.
Joanna has extensive orchestral experience in the UK and the US, having spent over a decade in the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association (TYSA), where she performed for many years as concertmaster and was the winner of the TYSA Concerto Competition. Joanna was also the youngest member to perform in the Tacoma Youth Symphony Carnegie Hall Tour and was a Seattle Symphony Gold Medallist.
Joanna has given numerous solo and chamber music recitals in the UK, including an appearance as a soloist with the Gooden.semble Orchestra in London. As an active chamber musician, Joanna and her ensemble GPS Trio were mentored by Carole Presland at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and also worked with members of the Endellion and Chilingirian Quartets. GPS Trio was awarded the St James Piccadilly Chamber Prize in 2014 and was a finalist at the York Chamber Music Competition in 2015.
Joanna participates regularly in music festivals and in recent years has attended the Yellow Barn Music Festival, the Aspen Music Festival, the Heifetz International Music Institute, and the Montecito International Music Festival.
Outside performing, Joanna enjoys teaching and working with children. In her free time, she enjoys travelling, painting, and photography.
What’s on your playlist right now?
I enjoy listening to different genres of music from jazz and pop to baroque and classical music. My current playlist includes: Ravel’s Piano Trio in A Minor; Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No.4; Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade; and Gershwin’s An American in Paris. I am also a huge fan of Disney! And the Moana soundtrack is on constant repeat after having recently watched the film.
What is your favourite piece of music, and why do you love it?
I have a special fondness for pieces in which composers incorporate old tunes or folk melodies into their works. In this respect, the third movement of Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy is especially dear to me. The movement is built on a Scottish folk tune titled I’m A’Doun for Lack O’ Johnnie. This beautiful melody brings forth tender and subtle feelings that are full of sincerity and warmth; delicate, yet impactful, moving my heart every time I play or listen to the piece.
What do you do with your time when you’re not playing music?
I love to travel and explore areas or places I have yet to visit, whether it’s a stroll around the numerous parks in London or exploring unique, colourful streets in the corners of neighbourhoods. I also enjoy taking photographs, especially of nature, animals, and food! I am also always looking for great restaurants and bakeries.