Principal Second Violin

Chaerim Smith

At APO

Chaerim serves as APO’s Principal Second Violin, performing with APO in a variety of live concerts, TV filmings, and virtual performances.

Beyond APO

An active orchestral musician, Mrs. Smith performs with various orchestras in the area, such as the National Symphony Orchestra , Richmond Symphony and the National Philharmonic. Mrs. Smith is also a regular member of the Harrisburg Symphony, where she served as Assistant Principal Second Violin from 2005-2009.

Chaerim has performed with great popular artists such as U2, Barry Manilow, Olivia Newton John, Joel Grey, Trisha Yearwood, Garth Brooks, Seth MacFarlane and Johnny Mathis.

Chaerim currently resides in Springfield, Virginia with her husband, violist Derek Smith, and her son, Oscar. She enjoys cooking and reading in her spare time.

Training

Chaerim received a Bachelors of Music Degree from the Manhattan School of Music where she studied with Lucie Robert and later with Lisa Kim of the New York Philharmonic.

Favorite APO Moment

Listening to the performance of “Ribbons Down My Back” at an APO concert

Favorite Pop Music Song

“You Send Me” by Sam Cooke