Accomplished international musician named new Christ Church organist
Marianne Kim will bring her exceptional gifts to the talented musical team at Christ Church as she was named staff organist of the church's Oak Brook location.
Kim, an organist, pianist, harpsichordist and composer, is an accomplished professional musician with an international career performing piano and organ recitals, chamber music and jazz. She has published several compositions and worked with many acclaimed conductors and composers throughout North America. A Korean native and Hoffman Estates resident, Kim studied piano and composition at Pusan High School of Arts in Korea, and earned a Bachelor of Music in Composition from Pusan National University, and dual Master of Music in Jazz Studies and Organ Performance degrees from Northern Illinois University.
Christ Church Classic Worship Director Noelle Combs said Kim's selection adds to the high musical standards that complement the inspiring messages for which Christ Church is known.
"One of our core values is to provide all those who come to Christ Church an authentic worship experience that exalts God, while also providing outstanding musical leadership that engages and inspires a wide variety of listeners," Combs said.
"Our congregation regularly enjoys talented vocalists, including members of Lyric Opera of Chicago, and instrumentalists who play with Chicago Symphony and Grant Park, among other organizations. Marianne is a wonderful addition to this talented community, and we invite the public to come hear her share her gifts, as well as the host of other brilliant musicians Christ Church is blessed to have as part of our Classic worship services."
Kim, who will officially assume the role as Christ Church organist on Sunday, Sept. 16, will provide a free recital at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, in the sanctuary of Christ Church Oak Brook, York Road and 31st Street.
The church's diverse community is served through locations in Oak Brook and Downers Grove, via livestreamed Sunday services and the radio and television program "Love Changes Life." There are also six inspiring worship services weekly, including Classic Communion and Contemporary style services to accommodate the many faith backgrounds of its attenders. The public is invited to an open house and dedication of its new expanded worship space from 3 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24.
For information about Christ Church, visit www.christchurch.us.
About Christ Church: Founded in 1965, Christ Church is a multisite, nondenominational church in the Chicago suburbs with more than 6,000 members. Christ Church features a variety of inspiring worship options including traditional, classic communion and contemporary services. All people are offered the opportunity to build life-changing relationships with God and one another with a rich range of spiritual growth resources, and a selection of service ministries aimed at creating positive change in the world. Weekend services are held at the Oak Brook and Downers Grove locations, as well as via livestream at ChristChurch.us/online. The "Love Changes Life" broadcast program is on WPWR TV, WFLD TV, and WGN AM 720. For more information, visit www.christchurch.us.