Hansol Choi is a composer, percussionist, and educator, based in Queens, New York. He passionately believes music is a powerful resource, perceiving it as a means of encapsulating the rich depth of human existence by reflecting theological, psychological, and emotional elements of personhood. He draws inspiration from his early experiences singing hymns in church and performing in Samulnori (Korean percussion quartet) groups. This instilled in him a passion for expressing the human experience of relating both with one another and with the divine.

    His recent achievements include the world premiere of "3°(Sahm-doh/삼도)" for Orchestra, conducted by Yeo Ryeong Ahn and performed by the University of Michigan’s University Symphony Orchestra. This piece was selected through Ahn’s 'Korean Contemporary Orchestral Call for Score,' marking the culmination of her doctoral research supported by the University of Michigan School of Music, Theater & Dance Eileen Weiser EXCEL fund, under the guidance of Maestro Kenneth Kiesler. "3°(Sahm-doh/삼도)" for Orchestra was then selected by the American Composers Orchestra’s Earshot Readings of 2024, to be conducted by Jeffrey Meyer and the Jacobs School of Music’s orchestra. Choi also debuted with the Great Falls Symphony Orchestra in Montana, presenting his award-winning piece "[OUT]cry for Orchestra,” (recipient of the Carl Kanter Orchestral Thesis Prize). This piece was chosen by Grant Harville, the Music Director of GFSO, as the winner of the ‘Second Performance Project’ call for score.

    Currently, Choi is working on commissions from Talujon Percussion Quartet, Dave Eggar & Tasha Warren, 'Caught in a Snare,' and the Phonon Wind Ensemble based in Taiwan. His past notable performances include the premiere of his Concerto for Solo-Percussion and Orchestra ‘Higgaion’ at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center, in June 2018, performed by percussionist Chiching Grace Lin and the CYCNY Youth Orchestra.

   Beyond composing, Choi actively engages in a diverse artistic life as a percussionist and educator. He serves on the faculty for percussion, theory, and composition at the Eisman Center for Preparatory Studies in Music (ECPSM) at Queens College, with additional teaching roles at Midori and Friends (percussion and composition) and Mannes Prep division (theory, ear-training, & music history).

   Recently, Choi was honored with the inaugural Emerson Wahl “So Good” percussion fellowship at the ‘New Music on the Point’ festival of 2023. During this fellowship, he performed works by notable composer Amy Williams and collaborated with artists like Jay Campbell (Cellist of the JACK Quartet) and the Confluss Duo. He maintains a regular presence in orchestras and ensembles such as the National Chorus of Korea, The Symphony Orchestra of New Jersey, Centre Symphony Orchestra, and the New Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra, among others.

    Choi, originally from South Korea, is now a longtime Queens resident. He is deeply committed to infusing his compositions and performance methods with his rich Korean heritage, integrating traditional Korean folk music elements. His educational background includes a master’s degree in composition from The Manhattan School of Music and a percussion performance degree from the Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens College, CUNY. His significant composition mentors include Richard Danielpour, Marjorie Merryman, James Ra, David Serkin Ludwig, Vivian Fung, and Edward Smaldone. Currently residing near Bowne Park in Flushing, Queens, he finds calm in leisurely walks in the park’s beautiful scenery.