Dr. Hwanwook Lee stands as a beacon of unity, utilizing the universal language of music to bridge continents, cultures, and generations. As an accomplished conductor, educator, composer, and scholar, Dr. Lee’s distinguished career is marked by an unwavering commitment to musical excellence, profound cultural exchange, and transformative education.
With over a decade of international experience in choral conducting and music education, he has cultivated a distinctive artistic voice rooted in tradition yet dedicated to innovation, making him a respected figure in both academic and professional music communities worldwide.
Dr. Lee’s robust academic journey underpins his formidable expertise. He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Conducting from Texas Tech University, a testament to his dedication to advanced musical scholarship. Prior to his doctoral studies, he obtained two Master of Music degrees in Choral Conducting—one from Missouri State University in the United States and another from Hansei University in South Korea—alongside a bachelor’s degree in Church Music with a concentration in composition from Seoul Theological University. This diverse educational background provides him with a unique global perspective on choral music and its pedagogical approaches.
His impact as an educator and conductor in the United States is extensive. During his tenure at Texas Tech University, Dr. Lee served as Instructor of Record for two consecutive years, leading the Matador Singers (Tenor/Bass Choir) and the University Singers (Treble Voices). His contributions extended to being an associate conductor for the premier mixed ensemble, University Choir, and Scarlet Voce (Treble Voices), and assisting with teaching undergraduate courses in choral conducting and choral techniques. His versatility was further demonstrated as Chorus Master for the university’s opera production of La Clemenza di Tito. Most recently, Dr. Lee completed his appointment as Associate Choir Director at Odessa High School in Texas, where he independently and collaboratively guided six ensembles, including Varsity Tenor/Bass Choir, Dominante, Bel Canto, and Broncho Legacy, significantly elevating the program’s quality and cohesion.
Before his extensive work in the United States, Dr. Lee honed his leadership skills over a decade as a church choir director in South Korea. He led adult and youth choirs at various congregations, such as Yehyang Presbyterian Church and Youngbok Presbyterian Church, overseeing regular worship services, special music events, and performance planning. His entrepreneurial spirit even led to the establishment and expansion of a youth choir that achieved first prize at the prestigious Kyung-in Synod Youth Choir Competition. His expertise was also sought after during his doctoral studies, when he was invited as a guest artist by Heavenly Light Korean Methodist Church in South Korea, where he conducted the church choir for special services, further cementing his reputation as a sought-after musical leader.
Beyond the podium and classroom, Dr. Lee’s vision extends to a passionate advocacy for expanding the global choral repertoire, particularly by introducing Asian choral works to Western audiences. This commitment forms the core of his work in “Reimagining Repertoire,” a concept he articulates with insightful clarity.
Reimagining Repertoire: Bridging East and West Through Song
When teaching Westerners about Asian and Korean choral works, Dr. Lee often begins with something that feels both familiar and uniquely Korean. “I usually begin with something that feels both familiar and uniquely Korean, such as Arirang,” he explains. But his approach goes beyond the surface. Instead of using the commonly known Gyeonggi Arirang, he introduces regional variations like Jeongseon Arirang, Miryang Arirang, and Jindo Arirang. These versions, he notes, “carry simple yet emotionally rich melodies that express Korean sentiment in a way that resonates with listeners.” The global familiarity of Arirang also helps to “lower cultural barriers and makes the genre more accessible to those unfamiliar with it.”
To deepen understanding, Dr. Lee delves into the profound emotional context behind the music. “I often explain the historical and emotional context behind the music, particularly the concept of Han, which refers to a deep sense of sorrow and unresolved emotion,” he elaborates. He highlights how the Japanese occupation was a period where this “Han” was strongly expressed through various art forms, including music. Sharing these historical narratives allows audiences to connect more personally with the music’s emotional depth. This foundational approach is then broadened to include choral works from countries like the Philippines, Singapore, and Japan, providing a richer, more comprehensive view of Asian choral traditions. “This approach helps listeners move beyond hearing the music as something foreign and instead appreciate its emotional depth, cultural meaning, and the harmony between tradition and modern expression,” he concludes.
The Cultural Imperative: Why Asian Choral Works Belong in Western Classrooms
For Dr. Lee, the integration of Asian choral works into Western ensembles and classroom settings is not merely an artistic choice; it is a cultural imperative in an increasingly interconnected world. “As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, it is more important than ever for students to develop a sensitivity toward different cultural perspectives,” Dr. Lee asserts. He views music as “a living language capable of expressing a wide range of human stories across borders,” advocating for an expanded musical education that builds on traditional Western foundations while embracing a broader cultural spectrum.
“Engaging with choral music from Asia helps students connect with people whose histories, languages, and emotional expressions may differ from their own,” he explains. Through this process, students “become more attuned to voices and artistic expressions that are often less visible in mainstream settings.”
This experience fosters an ability to view diverse ways of life and creativity with equal respect. Ultimately, it encourages students to see music not just as performance, but “as a meaningful path to understanding the world more deeply and appreciating the richness that comes from a variety of artistic traditions.”
Global Harmony in Action: The One Asia Culture Ambassador Program
Dr. Lee’s commitment to cultural exchange is perhaps most vividly exemplified by his pivotal role as Music Director for the One Asia Culture Ambassador (OACA) program in Baguio, Philippines. This initiative brought together young musicians from across Southeast Asia—including Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Korea, and Brunei—who collaborated with music students from the University of Baguio, fostering a unique environment for cross-cultural musical dialogue and community service.
His role extended beyond conducting; it was about nurturing understanding. “My role as Music Director was not only to guide rehearsals, but to help create an environment where people with different musical backgrounds could understand and respect one another,” he recounts. The final performance, he recalls, was less about technical perfection and more about profound human connection. “When I finally heard the performance, what struck me most wasn’t perfection, but the sincerity and connection in the sound,” he said.
The beauty of the collaboration lay in its organic fusion of diverse elements. “Different languages, traditions, and emotions came together naturally within the piece, and the performers truly resonated with one another—we cried, we laughed, we shared something real,” Dr. Lee muses. “In that moment, I realized again that true harmony doesn’t come from making everyone the same, but from creating a space where every voice can be heard and valued.”
This philosophy extends to all international collaborations, which Dr. Lee describes as overwhelmingly positive. “Honestly, in my experience, there’s almost nothing negative that happens in these kinds of international collaborations. In fact, it’s always filled with positive energy and mutual respect,” he said.
Lee emphasizes the invaluable cultural learning that occurs. “I was born and raised in Korea, where I had little exposure to Islamic culture. But through working and living alongside musicians from those regions, I was able to experience their values, daily lives, and artistic perspectives firsthand,” he explains. “As we naturally shared our stories beyond just music, we began to understand each other on a deeper level and created a truly respectful and open environment.”
A Composer’s Vision and Lasting Impact
Dr. Lee’s artistic versatility is further showcased in his work as a composer and arranger. His compositions uniquely blend Korean melodic identity with Western choral tradition, offering fresh perspectives on traditional forms. His choral work, “A Change of Heart,” published by Chorus Center, one of the largest and most reputable choral music publishers in South Korea, exemplifies this fusion. The piece was performed by the Changwon City Choir, a professional ensemble, at the annual “The Innovative Choir Seminar,” the country’s largest and most prestigious church music conference.
Dr. Lee’s dedication and excellence have not gone unnoticed. He was recently awarded the prestigious Outstanding Graduate Student at the Texas Tech University School of Music in 2024, a testament to his exceptional contributions during his doctoral studies. His ongoing engagement with professional development is evident in his active participation in numerous professional organizations, including the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), The College Music Society (CMS), and the Korean Church Music Association. His membership in these institutions reflects his commitment to contributing to both national and international conversations in choral music and education.
In every facet of his multifaceted career—as a conductor, composer, educator, and cultural bridge-builder—Dr. Hwanwook Lee embodies consistent excellence, integrity, and a profound commitment to the advancement of the musical arts. Through his visionary approach to “Reimagining Repertoire” and his tireless efforts in fostering global understanding through song, Dr. Lee continues to leave an indelible mark on students, audiences, and fellow musicians, establishing him as a truly dedicated and respected figure on the international choral music stage.