Hanwha Classic 2024 to be Held at Seoul Arts Center This November

Invitation to Berlin Early Music Academy and RIAS Chamber Choir

Rias Choir and Conductor Justin Doyle. Photo by Hanwha

Hanwha Group announced on the 24th that the classical concert series it has hosted for the past 11 years, 'Hanwha Classic 2024,' will be held on November 23 and 24 at the Concert Hall of the Seoul Arts Center in Seocho-gu, Seoul.

Through its high-quality classical concert brand 'Hanwha Classic,' Hanwha has contributed to popularizing refined Baroque music by inviting world-renowned early music artists to present to domestic audiences. Hanwha Classic began in 2013 with the visit of Helmut Rilling, a master of Bach's music, and has consistently received acclaim by inviting early music masters from the UK, Italy, France, the Netherlands, Germany, including Jordi Savall, Yulia Reznikova, and Avi Avital.

Unlike corporate sponsorships that support one-time performances, Hanwha Classic has drawn attention for planning and hosting the concerts from the concept to detailed program composition. Celebrating its 10th anniversary last year, Hanwha Classic commemorated the milestone under the subtitle 'Unity,' reflecting the consistent delivery of the theme of early music with one heart. Hanwha stated that it will continue to fulfill its corporate social responsibility to provide many people with access to high-quality performing arts culture following the past decade's journey.

This year, 'Hanwha Classic' invites the Berlin Early Music Academy, a world-renowned early music ensemble, and the RIAS Chamber Choir. The concert program will feature Baroque masterpieces such as Bach's 'Magnificat' BWV243, Cantata BWV21, and Handel's 'Dixit Dominus.'

The Berlin Early Music Academy, introduced at Hanwha Classic 2024, was founded in East Berlin in 1982 and is regarded as one of the world's top chamber orchestras specializing in early music performance. The RIAS Chamber Choir, celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, consists of 34 professional vocalists. It is especially famous for its extensive repertoire, including historically informed performances of Renaissance and Baroque music, as well as works from the Classical and Romantic periods. Long-standing members such as Raphael Alpermann, principal conductor Justin Doyle, and tenor Hong Minseop, a lifetime member from Korea, will join the tour to Korea.

Both ensembles, known for showcasing the highest level of artistry, have opened new horizons in Baroque sacred music through their performances and recordings. They have received particular praise for their outstanding interpretation and high-quality performances of works by Bach and Handel. Among the programs for this visit, Handel's 'Dixit Dominus' was recently released as an album under the Harmonia Mundi label and has garnered great acclaim.

Tickets for this year's Hanwha Classic performances are priced at 50,000 KRW for all seats and will be available for purchase from 1 PM on the 24th via the Seoul Arts Center website and Interpark. On the day of the concert, Professor Jung Kyungyoung of Hanyang University will provide a preview commentary, and a program booklet will be offered to help audiences better understand the performance.

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