04/08/2026
Join us for a guest artist recital with Dr. YooBin Lee and Dr. Alexandru Malaimare, tomorrow, Thursday, April 9, at 7:30pm, in the Fine Arts Recital Hall.
Dr. YooBin Lee is a dynamic and versatile violist whose artistry thrives both on stage and in the classroom. Her performances have captivated audiences in renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, showcasing a blend of virtuosity, expressiveness, and commitment to musical excellence.
As a member of the Sarasota Orchestra, Dr. Lee continues to maintain an active performance career, and she has also appeared with esteemed ensembles such as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Her talent has earned her top honors in prestigious competitions, including the New York Artists International Competition and The Korea Art Music Competition, among others. Passionate about contemporary music, she served as principal violist for the Illinois Modern Ensemble, collaborating with celebrated composers such as Tania León and Samuel Adler, and premiering award-winning works like Underwater Comet by Dongryul Lee.
Beyond her work as a performer, Dr. Lee is a dedicated educator committed to inspiring and empowering the next generation of musicians. Starting in Spring 2025, she will join Marshall University as a lecturer, where she will continue to share her passion for music and teaching. Previously, she served as Viola Instructor at State College of Florida, Viola Instructor and String Ensemble Co-Director at Knox College, Visiting Faculty at Bowling Green State University, and Violin/Viola Instructor at Millikin University. Dr. Lee’s teaching philosophy emphasizes technical excellence, musical expression, and fostering a deep love for music in her students.
Dr. Lee’s academic achievements reflect her commitment to lifelong learning and artistry. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Viola Performance from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a Master of Music in Chamber Music from the University of Michigan, and a Master of Music in Viola Performance from Bowling Green State University.
With her exceptional musicianship, dedication to contemporary and classical repertoire, and unwavering commitment to music education, Dr. YooBin Lee continues to make a lasting impact on the classical music community as both a performer and mentor.
Described as a versatile and passionate musician, Alex Malaimare has captivated audiences with his profound musicality and technical excellence. Born in Romania, his early musical education was shaped at the prestigious George Enescu Art High School in Bucharest, where he studied under Mihaela Tomescu and Stefan Gheorghiu. His talent quickly became evident, leading him to win first prizes at notable competitions such as the Remember Enescu International Competition and the Songs of the Earth International Music Competition.
Pursuing higher education, Alex earned his Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from the National University of Music in Bucharest, studying with Florin Croitoru and Verona Maier. His journey continued in the United States at Western Illinois University, where he obtained a Master of Music and was an integral member of the faculty string quartet. Under the guidance of Julieta Mihai, Alex honed his skills further. His academic pursuits culminated with a Doctor of Musical Arts in Violin Performance from the University of Illinois, where he studied with the renowned Stefan Milenkovich and the Jupiter String Quartet.
Alex’s performance career is marked by appearances at prestigious venues and with esteemed orchestras. From Carnegie Hall to various philharmonic orchestras in Romania, his repertoire includes masterful renditions of works by J.S. Bach, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky. Notable performances include J.S. Bach’s Violin Concerto in E major, Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D major, and Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, Op. 35. His collaboration with chamber music ensembles has also been highly acclaimed, earning recognition at competitions like the Plowman Chamber Music Competition and the New York Artists International Competition.
A dedicated educator, Alex has shared his expertise with students at various institutions, including Millikin University, the University of Illinois Springfield, and the University of Evansville. His teaching philosophy emphasizes technical proficiency, musical expression, and a deep appreciation for the art of violin playing. He has conducted masterclasses and lectures at institutions such as Bowling Green State University and Eastern Illinois University, focusing on topics ranging from entrepreneurship in music to the use of electronic instruments.
Alex’s commitment to community engagement is evident through his outreach programs and recruiting visits to schools, providing young musicians with opportunities to explore their talents. His passion for diverse musical genres has led him to explore traditional Romanian fiddle music and contemporary compositions, often sharing his performances through social media platforms and educational videos on YouTube.
In recognition of his contributions to music, Alex was recently appointed as an Assistant Professor of Violin at Marshall University, starting in Fall 2024. He continues to perform on an Ultralight violin crafted by the renowned luthier Joseph Curtin, captivating audiences with his exquisite sound and profound musical expression.
Alex’s accolades include first prizes in the Young Artist Competition of the Music Teachers National Association, the University of Illinois Concerto Competition, the Maker & Pioneer International Music Competition, and the New York Artists International Competition. These achievements highlight his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. He is in constant demand as soloist and chamber musician, with recent invitations to festivals such as the International Piano Festival at the University of Florida, the Five Cities Baroque Festival, to name a few.
Alex Malaimare’s career is a testament to his exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and passion for music. His contributions as a performer, educator, and community advocate continue to inspire and enrich the lives of those around him, solidifying his reputation as a leading violinist of his generation.
