[The Editors' Verdict] Seoul Youth Orchestra Ultimately Suspends Operations

Sejong Center for the Performing Arts held a board meeting on the 12th and decided to suspend the operation of the ‘Seoul Youth Orchestra,’ one of its affiliated arts organizations. Problems had surfaced over a long period during the operation of the Youth Orchestra, and without finding a sharp solution, the existence of the group became precarious. Although some expressed concerns that this might be a step toward disbandment, Sejong Center drew a clear line. They stated that they would decide on the continuation of the orchestra after considering its identity.

Among classical music circles, many express regret. This is because the Youth Orchestra has long served as a cradle for Korean classical musicians.

The Seoul Youth Orchestra was founded in 1984 as the ‘Seoul Municipal Boys and Girls Symphony Orchestra,’ boasting nearly 40 years of history. At its founding, the orchestra was composed only of middle and high school students, but in 1994, it expanded its membership to include university students and changed its name to the ‘Seoul Municipal Youth Symphony Orchestra.’ In October 2007, it was renamed again to its current name.

Seoul Youth Orchestra Performance [Photo by Sejong Center for the Performing Arts]

Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, a public theater, has three affiliated groups for young artists. Besides the Youth Orchestra, there are the Seoul Youth Gugak Orchestra and the Seoul Boys and Girls Choir. The Seoul Youth Gugak Orchestra and the Seoul Boys and Girls Choir are each integrated and operated with the Seoul Gugak Orchestra and the Seoul Choir, respectively. Young artists from the Youth Gugak Orchestra and the Boys and Girls Choir have opportunities to learn and perform together by interacting with professional artists from the Gugak Orchestra and the Seoul Choir. However, in the case of the Youth Orchestra, such opportunities for exchange were limited. This is because the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra became a foundation corporation in 2005 and separated from Sejong Center. Without a mentor organization, the Youth Orchestra inevitably exposed its limitations.

It is not easy for an orchestra composed of amateur performers to meet the heightened expectations of the public. As public interest waned, the status of the Youth Orchestra weakened compared to the past.

There were also frequent absences of a director. Even now, the position of director has been vacant since 2017. In a situation where proper management and supervision were difficult, last year it was discovered that a Youth Orchestra staff member embezzled activity funds intended for the members. This represented a serious moral lapse in an organization operated with taxpayers’ money.

Considering these circumstances, Sejong Center’s decision to suspend the operation of the Youth Orchestra seems inevitable. However, it is also necessary to examine whether the public theater, as a leading institution in Korea, has neglected its role in nurturing young artists.

Although the Youth Orchestra is a performing group, it is primarily an educational organization. Its primary reason for existence is to nurture talented young performers. Sejong Center, which operates it, is required to have a special sense of mission.

The classical music infrastructure in Korea is still underdeveloped. Many young performers are desperately competing in competitions to gain stage opportunities and knocking on the doors of overseas orchestras. In this situation, it is ironic and somewhat bitter that the Youth Orchestra, which has long strengthened the roots of classical music in Korea, is facing a crisis, revealing the harsh reality of classical music.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.