Project Prelude Announces Three-Year Leadership Succession Plan
Clockwise from top-left: Kristen Kim, Esther Eom, Sarah Lee, Kaylee Nah
Project Prelude announces its three-year leadership succession plan beginning in the 2024/25 season, marking the beginning of an exciting new era of artistic growth for the organization.
New Appointments
Effective starting the 2024/25 season, cellist Kristen Kim will assume the role of Executive Director, and violinist Esther Eom will begin a season-long term as Musical Director. A freshman at Westview High School, Kristen joined Project Prelude in fall 2023 and is currently an instructor for the Elmonica Division (Portland Metropolitan Region). A junior at Mountainside High School, Esther will be completing her second season with the organization, and currently serves as Associate Director of the Raleigh Park Division (Portland Metropolitan Region). They will succeed current Executive Director Derek Choi and Musical Director Ryan Jun, who will conclude their terms at the end of the 2023/24 season.
In the Portland Metropolitan Region, violinist Kaylee Nah has been appointed as Regional Director beginning with the 2024/25 season, succeeding outgoing Regional Director Claire Youn. A freshman at Sunset High School, Kaylee joined Project Prelude in fall 2023 and is currently an instructor for the Elmonica Division. The vacant position of Assistant Regional Director will be filled by cellist Sarah Lee, who will serve a season-long term. A junior at Westview High School, Sarah has spent two seasons with the organization, serving as both Associate Director, and now Director of the Raleigh Park Division.
Beginning with the 2025/26 season, Kaylee will assume the role of Musical Director. Together with Kristen, they will lead the organization through the 2026/27 season. New leadership for the Portland Metropolitan Region will also be designated prior to the start of the 2025/26 season.
Continuing Appointments
The New York Metropolitan Region will continue to be led by Aiden Chantemsin and Angela Zhang as Regional Director and Assistant Regional Director, respectively, through the 2025/26 season. The region will appoint new leadership prior to the start of the 2026/27 season.