Wooju Baik – Conductor

Winner of 1st Prize at the 8th “Ionel Perlea” International Conducting Competition (2024), along with the Orchestra Prize and special awards from the State Philharmonia Brașov. The previous year, he was named the inaugural winner of the 1st Romania Conducting Competition.

“Radiating energy through his expressive performance, his bright smile and delicate gestures forged a deep connection with the orchestra and singers.” — Robert Viorel Dinca, Art Journalist

“His music is bold and full of energy, yet it is his sincerity and depth of expression that leave a lasting impact, drawing audiences into his performances.” — Youngkyu Park, Music Critic

Wooju Baik, founder and music director of the Universe Philharmonic Orchestra (UPO), brings fresh energy to classical music through passionate performances with young musicians. With UPO, he has long shared the joy of orchestral music, celebrating individuality and rich repertoire. He has collaborated with numerous orchestras, including the Athens Philharmonia, RCM Philharmonic, Cyprus Symphony, Filarmonica Brașov, Filarmonica Pitești, and the State Opera Stara Zagora, among others. Particularly drawn to the operatic stage, he holds a profound passion for opera. His repertoire includes Tosca, La Bohème, Madama Butterfly, La Traviata, Rigoletto, Don Carlos, L’elisir d’amore, Die Zauberflöte, Le nozze di Figaro, Così fan tutte, Don Giovanni, exemplifying his artistic breadth and unwavering dedication to both symphonic and operatic works. He is pursuing a Master’s degree in Conducting at the Royal College of Music, studying under Toby Purser, Peter Stark, and Howard Williams.