Kylie T. Gougler, a praised soprano known for her captivating operatic roles and advocacy for Czech opera, teams up with Minji Kwon, a distinguished Korean-born pianist and educator, to deliver a dynamic performance that blends vocal and instrumental mastery. Gougler’s extensive experience in operatic roles like Pamina in Die Zauberflöte and her work as a recitalist and clinician is complemented by Kwon’s global musical perspective, honed through her studies and performances worldwide. Together, they create a captivating performance that highlights their expertise, passion, and commitment to enriching the cultural landscape through both Czech art song and contemporary Korean repertoire.
SOUNDS OF HOME: An Evening Celebration of Music
May 1 @ 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Kylie T. Gougler
Heralded by D Magazine as “continually captivating, sensitive, and vocally magnificent,” Kylie T. Gougler’s operatic roles include Pamina in Die Zauberflöte, Fiordiligi in Così fan tutte, Mařenka in Prodaná nevěsta, Governess in Turn of the Screw, and the title role in Suor Angelica. She currently serves on the faculty at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa.
For over a decade, Dr. Gougler has been an advocate for Czech opera and art song in the United States. She has become an in-demand recitalist, masterclass clinician, and presenter both internationally and domestically. Currently, she serves as the Co-Director of the American International Czech and Slovak Voice Competition at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and is the founder of the Czech Art Song Initiative — an online compendium dedicated to the study, history, and performance of Czech art song. Gougler is the compiler/editor of three Czech operatic anthologies for soprano, tenor, and baritone/bass, respectively.
Minji Kwon, Accompanist
Minji Kwon is a Korean-born pianist, educator, and recording artist with a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Iowa. She specializes in the works of Croatian composer Dora Pejačević and holds a Master’s in Collaborative Piano from NYU. A Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar, Minji has performed globally and currently serves as a Staff Collaborative Pianist at the University of Iowa. She has worked with ensembles like Orchestra Iowa and Cedar Rapids Opera, and released Portuguese Perspectives with oboist Courtney Miller. As co-founder of Ensemble Yeon, she promotes contemporary Korean art songs and is the organist at Iowa City First United Methodist Church, where she founded a chamber music series.
