Yemel Philharmonic Society

The Yemel Philharmonic Society (YPS) is a non-profit organization founded in 1998 by Artistic Director Sung Soon Kim, in collaboration with a group of professional and amateur Korean Canadian musicians. Based in the Greater Toronto Area, YPS is dedicated to inspiring, educating, and uniting communities through the transformative power of music.

Over the past 27 years, YPS has established a strong reputation for artistic excellence, innovative programming, and cultural impact. The choir performs a diverse repertoire spanning historical periods and musical genres, making meaningful contributions to the Canadian choral landscape. YPS presents two annual concerts, supports emerging Korean Canadian talent through its Young Artist Programs, and leads initiatives that promote intergenerational engagement and community well-being.

Renowned for its original and imaginative performances, YPS has presented groundbreaking choral transcriptions of major orchestral works—such as Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty—under the visionary leadership of founding Artistic Director Sung Soon Kim. Under the dynamic leadership of current Artistic Director Jennifer Min-Young Lee, the choir continues to receive acclaim for its innovative, expressive, and vibrant performances.

The name “Yemel,” meaning “Echoes of Art” in Korean, reflects the choir’s mission to amplify cultural narratives, emotional expression, and the rich artistic heritage of the Korean Canadian community. Through its sustained artistic contributions and cultural leadership, the Yemel Philharmonic Society stands as one of Toronto’s most respected artistic institutions and a proud voice of Korean Canadian identity and pride.