01/21/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/21/2026 14:38
The second concert of the 2025-26 Musical Arts Series at Southeastern Oklahoma State University will feature Alexandru Malaimare (violin) and YooBin Lee (viola) at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, in the Fine Arts Recital Hall. Admission is free.
The 53nd Season of the Musical Arts Series is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, Oklahoma Arts Council, Steger Piano Institute, and the Clark and Wanda Bass Foundation.
Malaimare and Lee Duo consists of violinist Alexandru Malaimare and violist YooBin Lee. The guest artists are currently a part of the music faculty at Marshall University, in Huntington, West Virginia
"This duo is a dynamic group who will certainly entertain the audience with an exciting program," said Dr. Catalin Dima, assistant professor of piano at Southeastern and artistic director for the Musical Arts Series. "We are fortunate to have them play at Southeastern and we invite everyone to come enjoy this show."
Violinist Dr. Alexandru Malaimare has captivated audiences with his profound musicality and technical excellence. Born in Romania, he has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician at major venues including Carnegie Hall and with orchestras across the United States and Europe. A prizewinner in numerous international competitions, his repertoire spans from Bach to contemporary works, alongside explorations of Romanian fiddle traditions. Dr. Malaimare holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Illinois and is currently Assistant Professor of Violin at Marshall University. He continues to perform on an Ultralight violin crafted by the renowned luthier Joseph Curtin, captivating audiences with his exquisite sound and profound musical expression.
Dr. YooBin Lee is a dynamic and versatile violist whose artistry thrives both on stage and in the classroom. Her performances have captivated audiences in renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, showcasing a blend of virtuosity, expressiveness, and commitment to musical excellence. As a member of the Sarasota Orchestra, Dr. Lee continues to maintain an active performance career, and she has also appeared with esteemed ensembles such as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Her talent has earned her top honors in prestigious competitions, including the New York Artists International Competition and The Korea Art Music Competition, among others. With her exceptional musicianship, dedication to contemporary and classical repertoire, and unwavering commitment to music education, Dr. YooBin Lee continues to make a lasting impact on the classical music community as both a performer and mentor. She holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and will join the faculty of Marshall University as a lecturer beginning Spring 2025.