Conductor Hong Seok-won to lead Busan Philharmonic Orchestra

Conductor Hong Seok-won has been appointed as the next artistic director of the Busan Philharmonic Orchestra, according to the Busan city government last week.

Hong, who is currently the artistic director of the Gwangju Symphony Orchestra, will begin his two-year term on July 1. He succeeds Choi Soo-yeol, whose term expired in December after six years.

Hong previously led the Busan City Symphony Orchestra as a guest conductor in 2020 and 2023.

Hong, a graduate of Seoul National University and the Berlin National University of Music conducting department, won third place at the Karajan 100th Anniversary Conducting Competition in 2008. He was also the first Korean to be appointed principal conductor of the Opera Theater in Austria.

With the Gwangju Symphony Orchestra, he released his debut album in 2022, titled “Beethoven, Isang Yun, Barber,” under the Deutsche Grammophon label, as a live recording with pianist Lim Yun-chan and the orchestra.

Hong, 41, is recognized for his ability to handle various genres such as orchestral music, opera, ballet, symphony and contemporary music, leading the next generation of conductors in South Korea.