Maisky and Pletnev to Share the Stage... Classical Bridge Festival Opens in June

The Classical Bridge International Music Festival, where one can see masters such as cellist Mischa Maisky, violinist Augustin Dumay, and pianist and conductor Mikhail Pletnev together in one place, is set to open on June 4.

This year marks the sixth edition of the Classical Bridge International Music Festival, a classical music celebration. Previously held in New York (2018–2019), Bordeaux, France (2022), Seoul (2024), and Paris, France (2025), the festival returns to Seoul for the first time in two years. From June 4 to June 12, seven concerts will be held at venues including the Seoul Arts Center, Lotte Concert Hall, and Goyang Aram Nuri. A total of 21 performers will participate in the event.

Pianist Clara Min is leading the festival as its artistic director, overseeing concert planning, artist invitations, and also performing herself. Notably, the festival has garnered attention for bringing masters and next-generation artists together on the same stage, creating performances that bridge eras and generations. This year, young artists who will perform alongside the masters include Gautier Capuçon, Daniel Lozakovich, and Edgar Moreau.

As the festival has maintained a special connection with France, this year’s event is sponsored by the Embassy of France in Korea to commemorate the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France. To further deepen musical exchanges between the two countries, leading Korean musicians such as violists Kim Sangjin and Yoon Jinwon, as well as clarinetist Cho Donghyun, will take part in the festival.

The opening concert will feature a recital by Mischa Maisky, joined by his son, violinist Sascha Maisky, and his daughter, pianist Lily Maisky. Following the opening, a series of chamber music performances are scheduled, and the Rachmaninoff International Orchestra will take charge of the final two concerts.

The Classical Bridge International Music Festival is scheduled to continue next year in Cannes, France.

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