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Young-ja Lee

b. 1931

South Korean classical composer

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About Young-ja Lee

Born 1931. Young-ja Lee is a South Korean composer, music educator and songwriter.

Young-ja Lee (; born 4 June 1931) is a South Korean music educator and composer. She is considered by many the greatest living female Korean composer.

Life and career Born in Wonju, Lee studied at Ewha Womans University, the Conservatoire de Paris, and the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. She continued her education at the Manhattan School of Music. Lee endured hardships during the Japanese occupation and Korean War, but emerged to become one of the dominant forces in Korean music in the 20th century.

Lee was one of the six founding members of the Korean Society of Women Composers and served as the first president of the organization. She is often called the "Face and Mother of Korean Modern Music." Her works have been performed internationally and are available as recordings.

Young-Ja Lee's music combines elements from French, West African, Indonesian gamelan, and traditional Korean music, creating unusual intercultural compositions.

Works Selected works include: Pelerinage de l’Ame for Violin, Cello, and Piano Trio for flute, clarinet and bassoon Variations for piano Lament for three kotos Six songs Réminiscences de la Proven

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Education
Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse, Royal Conservatory of Brussels
Also known as
Lee Young-ja

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Young-ja Lee's

Frequently asked questions

Who is Young-ja Lee?

South Korean classical composer

When was Young-ja Lee born?

Young-ja Lee was born on 4 June 1931.

What is Young-ja Lee's occupation?

Young-ja Lee is a composer, music educator and songwriter.

What nationality is Young-ja Lee?

Young-ja Lee is South Korean.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Young-ja Lee

· Wikidata: Q8057855

· DBpedia: Young-ja Lee (composer)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Young-ja Lee. https://biography.guide/young-ja-lee/

MLA: "Young-ja Lee." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/young-ja-lee/.

Chicago: "Young-ja Lee." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/young-ja-lee/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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