Korean classical music stars to make harmony in concert series

Korean musicians have long been emerging as stars in the international classical musical scene, winning competitions and performing at world-class concert halls with renowned orchestras and musicians.

From Oct. 10 through Dec. 14, concert goers will be able to enjoy their musical world and philosophy at the Seoul Arts Center IBK Chamber Hall. The “SAC Classic Star Series” will feature soloists as members of chamber ensembles, harmonizing with one another. 

Masters

Virtuoso violinist Kim Nam-yoon will team up with equally internationally acclaimed pianist Kim Dae-jin and cellist Park Sang-min to perform works by Beethoven and Brahms on Oct. 19.

Kim Nam-yoon has reigned as the queen of violin in Korea, both performing and teaching. Kim Dae-jin, who currently conducts the Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra, one of the country’s leading orchestras, also serves as the director of the Korea National Institute for the Gifted in Arts program at Korea National University of Arts.

On Dec. 14, Kim Dae-jin will join up-and-coming violinist Fabiola Kim. The father-and-daughter team will present music by Schubert, Strauss, Janacek and Corigliano.

Cellist Yang Sung-won, along with his longtime musical partners, pianist Emmanuel Strosser and violinist Olivier Charlier, will feature the complete Beethoven trios (Nos. 1-7) on Oct. 17-18. The ensemble, which aims to break the barriers between musicians from different countries, has been inspired by the life of Korean painter Jang Seung-eop (1843-1897) and named their group after his penname, “Owon.”

Baritone Suh Jung-hack on Oct. 11 will feature some of the best-known arias by Mozart and Verdi, operas by Bizet and more. He will also present gagok, a traditional genre of accompanied vocal music. He was the first Korean male vocalist to appear with the New York Metropolitan Opera and has performed around the world.

Harpist Kwak Jung, who gained nationwide fame after maestro Zubin Mehta handpicked her as a featured artist for his first Seoul concert in 1997, was the first Asian musician to play both classic and electronic harp. She will be joined by Harpi Day Ensemble on Oct. 15 in performing pieces by Mozart, John Thomas and Bizet, as well as Strauss, Jacque Press and others.

Violinist Bae Ik-hwan, joined by noted cellist Song Young-hoon and pianist Lim Sung-mi, will present the music of Haydn, Brahms and Smetana on Nov. 16 while flutist Yoon Hye-ri and ensemble “La Folia” will perform on Nov. 22.

Group performance

The NOVUS Quartet, the runner-up in the ARD International Music Competition 2012, will hold a concert on Oct. 10 featuring the works of Mozart, Berg and Mendelssohn. The group, which debuted at Carnegie Hall on Jan. 24, is expected to show a refined and sophisticated range of music, the organizers said.

The Trio Thalia on Dec. 5 will be adding a little spice on stage with “Jazz and Tango,” with pieces ranging from Piazzolla to Ginastera and Schoenfield. Then the group, famous for its interpretation of contemporary music, will perform pieces by Ives.

Individuals making  great harmony

“Each player is already an established musician with his or her philosophy. But we wanted to show the essence of chamber music and allow the musicians to collaborate in making harmony,” an official of the Seoul Arts Center said.

“We believe this will deepen individual artists’ world of music at the same time, allowing the audience to explore an even wider range of music,” he added.

Discounts are given to those purchasing tickets for more than two concerts. Tickets can be purchased at www.sacticket.co.kr. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)