David Kim Leads The Four Seasons​

The Philadelphia Orchestra concertmaster and violinist David Kim takes center stage as both leader and soloist in a performance celebrating SPAC’s 60th anniversary theme, “Seasons.” Featuring beloved and highly recognizable works from the classical repertoire, this program includes Bach’s Air from Orchestral Suite No. 3; Mozart’s Eine kleine Nachtmusik; Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons; and the SPAC premiere of Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires.

David Kim was named Concertmaster of The Philadelphia Orchestra in 1999. Born in Carbondale, Illinois (1963), he began violin at age three, studied with Dorothy DeLay from age eight, and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The Juilliard School.

His 2025–26 season opens with solo and guest concertmaster engagements in Korea and Hong Kong, followed by featured performances with The Philadelphia Orchestra. He will lead a conductorless program of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and perform the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto during a subscription week under guest conductor Rafael Payare. His season also includes concerto, recital, and chamber music appearances throughout North and South America, and summer engagements at the Aspen Music Festival and School and the Mainly Mozart Festival All-Star Orchestra in San Diego.

Mr. Kim serves as Distinguished Artist at the Robert McDuffie Center for Strings at Mercer University and presents masterclasses at institutions such as the Australian National Academy of Music, the Curtis Institute, Juilliard, the Shanghai Conservatory, and the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. He has adjudicated international competitions including the Menuhin and Sarasate, appears as concertmaster of the All-Star Orchestra on PBS and online at the Khan Academy, and authored The Audition Method for Violin (GIA Publications, 2022). He has performed with Keith and Kristyn Getty at venues including the Grand Ole Opry House, The Kennedy Center, and Carnegie Hall, and regularly appears at events for ministries such as The Gathering, Illuminations, Missionary Athletes International, and YoungLife.

Honors and instruments: Mr. Kim has received honorary doctorates from Eastern University, the University of Rhode Island, and Dickinson College. His instruments include a J. B. Guadagnini (Milan ca. 1757) on loan from The Philadelphia Orchestra and a Francesco Gofriller (Venice ca. 1735). He performs on and endorses Larsen Strings.

Permitted items (subject to change):
- Food, beverages, and disposable utensils (compostable, plastic, reusable, etc.)
- Blankets and breathable ground coverings
- Personal-sized umbrellas (only personal-sized umbrellas permitted on the amphitheater lawn)
- Lawn chairs (must not exceed 43" in height when opened; on the center amphitheater lawn must not exceed 26" when opened)
- Tents: note that tents of any size will NOT be permitted on the Amphitheater lawn or immediately in front of the Charles R. Wood Discovery Stage

Items not permitted (subject to change):
- Metal utensils
- Plastic tarps
- Lawn chairs over 43" in height when opened
- Tents on the Amphitheater lawn or immediately in front of the Charles R. Wood Discovery Stage
- Grills, cooking equipment, or any flame that uses a liquid, gas, or gel accelerant
- Laser pointers, drones
- Professional audio or video recording equipment; cameras with detachable lenses
- Bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, etc.
- Pets (except ADA approved service animals)
- Illegal drugs or substances
- Weapons of any kind

Ground rules:
- Security: All bags will be inspected and all patrons may be searched via metal detectors. Bags include coolers, baskets, tote bags, purses, diaper bags, strollers, and other containers. Items not permitted should be disposed of or returned to your vehicle.
- Smoking is permitted only in designated areas; please dispose of cigarette butts properly.
- Guests may bring blankets and umbrellas but should consider others; disruptive items may be removed.
- Reentry is permitted for SPAC-produced events; obtain a reentry wristband from staff at the gates before exiting.
- SPAC has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment. Report any concerns to SPAC staff or security so appropriate action can be taken.

Amphitheater house rules for classical performances:
- Beverages are permitted in the amphitheater; food is not.
- Guests arriving after performances begin will not be seated until the earliest appropriate opportunity at the discretion of House Staff.
- Please turn off or silence all mobile devices before the program. If an emergency requires device use, step outside the theater.
- Video, photography, audio, or cell phone recording during performances is prohibited.