Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra to Hold 80th Anniversary of Liberation Concert at Seoul Arts Center

Pianist Kim Taehyung and Geomungo Player Oh Kyungja to Perform as Soloists

The Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra will hold the "Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra 80th Anniversary of Liberation Commemorative Concert" at 5:00 p.m. on August 15 at the Concert Hall of the Seoul Arts Center.

The Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1945, the year Korea was liberated, making this year the orchestra's meaningful 80th anniversary. The orchestra announced that the concert will honor the noble spirit and historical lessons of the independence movement that overcame hardship and adversity, and will serve as a significant stage to convey the values of freedom and peace to future generations.

Actor Kim Seokhun will host the event, and Professor Choi Sooyeol of Yonsei University College of Music will conduct. Professor Choi Sooyeol has previously worked as an associate conductor with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, served as the artistic director of the Busan Philharmonic Orchestra, and is currently the principal guest conductor of the Seoul Metropolitan Traditional Orchestra.

Pianist Kim Taehyung, who has won prizes at competitions such as the Queen Elisabeth Competition, and geomungo player Oh Kyungja, who has served as principal and concertmaster of the National Gugak Orchestra and is currently the concertmaster of the National Gugak Orchestra, will perform as soloists.

The concert will open with the fourth movement "Adagietto" from Mahler's Symphony No. 5. This movement, familiar to the public through its inclusion in films such as Luchino Visconti's "Death in Venice" and Park Chanwook's "Decision to Leave," is performed solely by strings. It is a piece that deeply expresses delicate and profound inner emotions, and is often interpreted as Mahler's expression of love for his wife Alma.

Next, in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of French Impressionist master Ravel, Kim Taehyung will perform Ravel's Piano Concerto. This masterpiece, filled with Ravel's unique sense of color and refined humor, unfolds a festive atmosphere with the rhythmic energy of Spanish music and the lively melodies of jazz.

Concertmaster Oh Kyungja will perform the geomungo concerto "Surijae," composed by traditional music master Jeong Daeseok.

The final piece will be the third and fourth movements of Symphony No. 2 by Finnish composer Sibelius. This work, depicting the Finnish people's national struggle, freedom, and victory against Russian oppression, delivers a powerful message of hope with its overwhelming emotional climax and grand conclusion.

The 80th Anniversary of Liberation Commemorative Concert will be held by invitation only. From 9:00 a.m. on August 4 to 5:00 p.m. on August 8, up to two tickets per person can be requested on the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra website. Tickets will be distributed at the venue on the day of the concert, and further details can be found on the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra website and official social media channels.

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