'Lahav Shani of the Munich Philharmonic: "Cho Seong-jin Is an Outstanding Performer with His Own Unique Voice"'

Munich Philharmonic Returns to Korea After Three Years
Concerts in Seoul and Incheon from May 5 to 9

Cho Seong-jin to Perform Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1 and Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 2

"I believe Cho Seong-jin is a pianist of the highest caliber. It's not just about his technical prowess, but also about the fact that he is a performer with his own unique voice."

Lahav Shani, who will assume the position of principal conductor of the prestigious Munich Philharmonic Orchestra in Germany this coming September, shared this assessment of pianist Cho Seong-jin, who will be performing with him during his visit to Korea. Starting on May 5, Shani will conduct the Munich Philharmonic's concerts in Korea, featuring Cho Seong-jin as soloist. Performances will take place at the Seoul Arts Center on May 5 and 6, at Art Center Incheon on May 8, and at Lotte Concert Hall on May 9. The May 5 program includes Mozart's "The Abduction from the Seraglio" Overture, Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1, and Mahler's Symphony No. 1 "Titan." On May 6, 8, and 9, the program will feature Beethoven's "Egmont" Overture, Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 2, and Brahms' Symphony No. 4.

At a press conference held at Geoam Art Hall in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on May 4, Shani explained that Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1 and Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 2, which Cho Seong-jin will perform, are works with completely different characters. He said, "While Prokofiev's piano concerto is an extremely intense and highly technical piece, Beethoven's concerto is very light and lyrical, where phrasing is crucial," adding, "Cho Seong-jin is a pianist of exceptional skill who can fully master these two works of entirely different nature."

Shani also shared that his first collaboration with Cho Seong-jin was during his debut with the Munich Philharmonic. He debuted as a conductor with the Munich Philharmonic in September 2022, when Cho Seong-jin performed Ravel's Piano Concerto. Shani remarked, "Cho Seong-jin is a pianist who brings positive energy and a wealth of emotion to the orchestra," and added, "Performing with him is always an enjoyable experience."

Florian Vigant, CEO of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra (left), and Lahav Shani, who will be inaugurated as chief conductor in September, are taking a commemorative photo before a press conference held on the 4th at Geoam Art Hall in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Vincero

Prior to Shani, the principal conductor of the Munich Philharmonic was Valery Gergiev, who is from Russia. The Munich Philharmonic dismissed Gergiev in February 2022, immediately after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. With Shani's appointment, the orchestra is welcoming a new principal conductor for the first time in about four years. Whereas Gergiev was approaching age 70 at the time of his dismissal, Shani, born in 1989 in Tel Aviv, Israel, is a young conductor not yet 40 years old.

Florian Wigant, CEO of the Munich Philharmonic, explained that a charity concert held immediately after Russia's invasion of Ukraine was the catalyst for inviting Shani as principal conductor. In March 2022, right after the invasion, members from three leading Munich ensembles—the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Munich Philharmonic, and Bavarian State Orchestra—held a charity concert for Ukraine at the Isar Philharmonie in Munich. Shani conducted this performance, with the renowned "violin queen" Anne-Sophie Mutter as soloist.

CEO Wigant stated, "It was during the charity concert for Ukraine that we first performed with Conductor Shani," and added, "After the concert, there was a strong sentiment among the members that they wanted him to be the next principal conductor, and Anne-Sophie Mutter also recommended him."

Shani said he had been deeply captivated by the sound of the Munich Philharmonic ever since his first performance with them four years ago.

"The Munich Philharmonic possesses a long-standing tradition and heritage. I believe it is an orchestra that takes pride in that. I think the Munich Philharmonic has a profound and rich, uniquely German sound. These days, it seems that the sound of many symphony orchestras is becoming more and more similar, so for an orchestra to maintain its own distinctive sound is extremely important. The Munich Philharmonic is also very curious, striving to maintain its unique sound while constantly experimenting and trying new things. Their unwillingness to stick to just one approach and their continuous effort to discover something new are very much in line with my own musical philosophy."

Originally a pianist, Shani established his position as a conductor by winning the Gustav Mahler Conducting Competition in 2013. Since 2018, he has served as chief conductor of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra in the Netherlands, and since 2020, as music director of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.

Shani also addressed the cancellation of the Belgium Flanders Ghent Festival performance last September. This occurred amid growing criticism over Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip in Palestine. The Ghent Festival organizers canceled Shani and the Munich Philharmonic's performance, citing Shani's failure to make a clear political statement regarding the Israeli government.

Shani said, "I have already made it clear that I support peace and reconciliation," and criticized the Ghent Festival's decision, saying, "Canceling a performance simply because I didn't make a specific statement is another form of violence."

He continued, "Everyone has the right to raise their voice. If necessary, I will do so as well, but I do not wish for performances or audiences to be used for political purposes." He added, "Artists should not be forced to take political stances, and no artist should be subjected to this kind of pressure."

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