Dr. Joung-A Monica Yum, a versatile musician from South Korea based in Los Angeles, is the visionary artistic director of the Adoro Ensemble, which she founded in 2022.

She earned her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from UCLA, studying under Dr. James Bass, and previously trained with Dr. Craig Hella Johnson at Texas State University, experiences that shaped her innovative approach to choral music.

Her dissertation, Recontextualizing Diverse Vocal Traditions Using Extended Vocal Technique Notation and Symbology: A Case Study Using Korean Pansori Singing Style, delves into the intersection of extended vocal techniques and traditional singing styles. It highlights innovative methods for integrating Korean Pansori into contemporary choral composition, offering new perspectives on bridging cultural and musical traditions through vocal performance.

Dr. Yum’s international achievements include being a finalist in the 2022 Fosco Corti International Competition, participating in the Seraphic Fire Professional Choral Institute at the Aspen Music Festival, and serving as a guest conductor for the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir’s Conducting Symposium.

As artistic director of the Adoro Ensemble, Dr. Yum blends tradition and innovation, creating performances that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.