EUNMI LEE
Award-winning New York-based composer,
pianist, and bandleader writing for small ensembles and 17-piece jazz orchestra.
Eunmi Lee is a Korean-born, New York-based composer, pianist, big-band leader, and educator whose work brings together contemporary jazz, personal experience, and Korean cultural influences. Her debut album, Introspection (2023), moves from intimate small-group settings to expansive writing for 17-piece jazz orchestra. Recent honors include support from the New York State Council on the Arts and Queens Arts Fund, the 2026 John Stites Jazz Award, and the Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble Prize in the 45th IAWM Search for New Music Competition for her composition Enigma.
MUSIC
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
2026 John Stites Jazz Award
Eunmi Lee was selected as a recipient of the 2026 John Stites Jazz Award. The award supports her advanced studies in large-ensemble jazz composition, research into Korean rhythmic traditions, and the development of new works for her 17-piece jazz orchestra.
The International Alliance for Women in Music 2026 Search for New Music Competition - Winner
Congratulations to all the winners of the 2026 International Alliance for Women in Music (IAWM) Search for New Music Competition!
We are delighted to share that Eunmi Lee has received the Portland Jazz Composers Ensemble Prize for her original composition, Enigma.
The competition recognizes the achievements of women composers and promotes greater awareness of their contributions to music. We are honored to celebrate this recognition alongside the outstanding composers selected this year.
2026 Queens Arts Fund — New Work Grant
Lee received a 2026 Queens Arts Fund New Work Grant to support the development and public presentation of her original jazz compositions, continuing her exploration of contemporary large-ensemble music.
2025 New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA) — Support for Artists
Lee received a 2025 NYSCA Support for Artists grant to develop original compositions for her 17-piece jazz orchestra. The resulting works were presented at The Jazz Gallery in New York City.