Ji Sun Lee
Meet Our Organist/Accompanist: Dr. Ji Sun Lee
by Phil Richardson, Communications Committee
When Ji Sun Lee left Seoul, South Korea nearly 18 years ago, with a personal goal of becoming a concert pianist, she could not have dreamed of the path that brought her to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Tucson, Arizona.
There was one primary life connection that followed her in her journey that eventually brought her to us: She is a third generation Presbyterian. Ji Sun Lee is one of four children, all daughters, of devout Christian parents. She has two brothers-in-law who are Christian pastors.
She began her music studies at the age of four. After earning her bachelors degree at Presbyterian College in South Korea, it was a family decision that she should complete her studies in a western country. Since a sister and brother-in-law were then living in Princeton, New Jersey, it was a natural decision that she should enter Westminster Choir College of Rider University. Bleak East Coast weather, homesickness, and discouragement soon caused her to want to return home.
Fortunately for us, another sister was attending ASU. Ji Sun took a delay in her intended return to South Korea. She first fell in love with the gorgeous March weather in Tempe and decided to stay. Consequently, she entered ASU, where she studied piano and organ, and along the way, won first prizes in the President’s Concerto Competition and the Contemporary Music Society Competition. She has since performed in Brazil, Italy, South Korea, and in venues in the United States and has given master classes in various states in Brazil.
Since coming to Arizona, she has earned a Master’s Degree in piano and organ performance, and a Doctorate in piano performance. When her piano instructor at ASU took a sabbatical, Ji Sun had an opportunity to study at the U of A where she fell in love again - with Michael Lich, who teaches a Master’s class in classical guitar, and to whom she has been married for two years. We look forward to hearing them perform together on May 18 here at St. Andrew’s.
Ji Sun taught at Cochise College and currently teaches private students while serving as our organist and accompanist.
She comes to us after two years as organist and accompanist with Christ Presbyterian Church here in Tucson, a time during which she made special friendships that she says she will forever cherish.
Dr. Lee told of a desire which she hopes to fulfill. The life goal of her youth was to become a famous concert pianist. From the first, her mother hoped that she would become a church musician.
Ji Sun testifies that now that she has had a time for religious maturing; a time to reflect and pray upon all that God has permitted her to achieve; a time to ask for guidance, she now has a higher goal. Ji Sun Lee prays that she can use her arts and skills for the glory of God; to become the best church musician that the Grace of God will help her to become.