Gyeonggi Province to Open "DMZ OPEN International Music Festival" at Goyang Aramnuri on the 26th

Festival Opens with Commissioned Piece for DMZ OPEN
Begins with "Mumu" for Samulnori and Orchestra
Spreading Messages of Peace and Coexistence

The "DMZ OPEN International Music Festival" in Gyeonggi Province, which expresses hope for tomorrow through music, will open in grand style on September 26 at the Aram Concert Hall in Goyang Aramnuri, Gyeonggi Province. From September 26 to 30, this festival will deliver messages of peace and hope through classical performances by top artists from Korea and abroad, all centered on the theme of the DMZ.

2025 DMZ OPEN International Music Festival Poster. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

The opening performance on September 26 will begin with the premiere of "Mumu for Samulnori and Orchestra," a commissioned piece for the DMZ OPEN International Music Festival composed by Han Jaeyeon.

The traditional Korean rhythms of Samulnori (taepyeongso, kkwaenggwari, janggu, buk, jing) will blend with the orchestral music of the Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Kim Sunwook, delivering a moving message of unity and hope to an audience of more than 1,000 attendees.

Next, Tchaikovsky's "Variations on a Rococo Theme" will be performed, with a single theme transforming into various forms to express a wide range of emotions-from brightness and lyricism to solemnity-reminding us that the power of life and hope endures even amid division and wounds.

The final piece will be Beethoven's Symphony No. 9, "Choral," where human voices and orchestra join together in the "Ode to Joy," expected to elevate the ideals of solidarity and harmony that transcend borders.

On September 27, the stage will be led by the KBS Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Gemma New, with world-renowned saxophonist Jess Gillam and pianist Sunyul collaborating to continue the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.

On September 28, the Hankyung Arte Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Ji Jungbae, will join music columnist Song Hyunmin for a special "Cinema Concert," breaking down the boundaries between classical and film music and offering a friendly concert experience for local residents.

The closing performance on September 30 will feature the Belgian National Orchestra, conducted by Yoon Hangyeol, together with world-renowned pianist Paik HaeSun, promising a spectacular finale to the DMZ OPEN International Music Festival.

Kim DaeSoon, the Second Vice Governor of Gyeonggi Province, stated, "We hope that the message of peace and coexistence delivered through the DMZ OPEN International Music Festival will spread widely," adding, "We will promote the DMZ as a symbol of 'greater peace' and work together with residents to spread the value of peace."

Meanwhile, tickets for the "DMZ OPEN International Music Festival" can be reserved online at Goyang Aramnuri, with on-site sales also available on the day of each performance.

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