Beomjae Kim, photo by Moon Kyong Song

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- The Grunin Center for the Arts has announced details for the upcoming performances in its Afternoon Recital Series, which brings classical music by local, national and international musicians to Ocean County for the community to enjoy. The Spring 2025 series begins on February 21 with the first of four world-class performances, each made possible by the generous support of the Ocean County College Foundation.

Tickets are $10 for all performances. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit grunincenter.org.

Beomjae Kim - Friday, February 21 at 2:00pm in Gateway Lecture Hall (Building 101). Throughout the centuries, the flute has captured the admiration of countless composers due to its pure, soaring timbre, bird-like agility, and mellowness. Its crystalline tone can express everything from gentle lyricism to vibrant brilliance. Join Beomjae Kim for an afternoon recital highlighting the beauty of the flute.

Ji in Yang - Friday, March 14 at 2:00pm in Gateway Lecture Hall (Building 101). South Korean violinist Ji in Yang has performed with distinguished orchestras such as the KBS Symphony, Bucheon Philharmonic Orchestra, Aspen Young Artists Orchestra, the Juilliard Pre-College Symphony Orchestra, and Atlantic Music Festival Orchestra, among many others. Ms. Yang will perform solo violin works by Kreisler, J.S. Bach, Ysaÿe, and Milstein.

Boheme Opera of New Jersey - Friday, April 25 at 2:00pm in Gia Maione Prima Foundation Studio Theatre (Building 12). Boheme Opera of New Jersey presents an operatic concert featuring silvery-voiced soprano Sungji Kim and versatile bass Hyong Sik Jo, accompanied by pianist Sandra Pucciatti. Their combined artistry promises a breathtaking operatic performance that music lovers won’t want to miss.

OCC Faculty and Guest String Quartet - Friday, May 9 at 2:00pm in Gateway Lecture Hall (Building 101). Composed within a decade of each other, Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel’s string quartets constitute the two most important impressionistic works in the genre. Join OCC faculty members Jee Sun Lee (violin) and DoYeon Kim (cello), along with guest artists Hyun-Joon Shin (violin) and Mitsuru Kubo (viola), in celebrating these wonderful pieces.

For 60 years, Ocean County College, a public two-year community college sponsored by Ocean County and the State of New Jersey, has provided area residents with the opportunity to benefit from higher education. OCC is an innovative academic leader offering affordable, student-centered, high-quality educational experiences that prepare and empower diverse learners to contribute to and succeed in global societies. OCC invests in and fosters academic, economic, and cultural excellence, and ensures financial strength by generating new revenue streams, engaging in national and international university and corporate partnerships, and cultivating a technologically progressive and entrepreneurial spirit.