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Korea Herald
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Seoul Metropolitan Traditional Orchestra appoints its first-ever composers-in-residence
In a milestone move marking its 60th anniversary, the Seoul Metropolitan Traditional Orchestra announced Thursday the appointment of three composers — Kim Hyun-seop, Lee Go-woon and Lee Hanurij — as its first-ever composers-in-residence. This is the first time the orchestra has introduced a residency program for composers. The initiative aims to foster long-term, collaborative partnerships with composers, enabling the creation of a sustainable repertoire. Among the three appointees, teenage composer Lee Hanurij stands out as a rising star in the classical music scene. Born in 2006, he became the youngest-ever winner in the composition category of the Joongang Music Concours last year and also took top honors at the Bartok World Competition in Hungary. Currently studying at the Korea National University of Arts (K-Arts), he gained wider recognition after being commissioned by pianist Lim Yunchan to compose the piano solo piece "Round and Velvety-Smooth Blend." His first orchestral work for traditional Korean instruments is set to premiere Thursday at Sejong Center. 'As composer-in-residence, I hope to explore the broader possibilities of Korean traditional music and seek new sonic directions,' Lee said in a statement. Kim Hyun-seob, another appointee, is currently the artistic director of the Hwaseong City Arts Group's traditional music ensemble. His works are rooted in Korean musical traditions. Lee Go-woon also draws from traditional Korean music and has collaborated with various ensembles, including the National Orchestra of Korea and the Gyeonggi Sinawi Orchestra of Korea. The three composers will participate in a range of projects, including regular concerts and chamber music series, beginning this month. Their appointments have no fixed term. New works by Kim Hyun-seob and Lee Go-woon will be unveiled in November, while Lee Hanurij's next composition is slated for April 2026. Lee Seung-hweon, director of the SMTO, expressed high hopes for the new initiative. 'Their music will be featured frequently in upcoming concerts,' he said. 'We expect this collaboration to not only enhance the orchestra's growth but also have a groundbreaking impact on the field of traditional Korean orchestral music.' hwangdh@
Korea Herald
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Lim Yunchan to perform for young audiences
21-year-old pianist will perform recitals to 'give through music' The last week of March will see internationally acclaimed pianist Lim Yunchan dedicating his performances to young people. From March 23 to 25, Lim, 21, will hold three special recitals in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, with all proceeds donated to pediatric cancer patients. On March 28, as the artist-in-residence for the Tongyeong International Music Festival, he will give an exclusive performance for local students in Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province, on the festival's opening day. In addition to the donations, the three recitals in Goyang are meant to reach a wider audience outside Seoul, an idea the artist suggested himself, according to his agency Moc Production. 'The planning began when Lim suggested holding performances outside of Seoul, without receiving a performance fee, and offering tickets at affordable prices," the agency said. The recitals will take place at the 1,440-seat Aram Music Hall in Goyang Aramnuri, Gyeonggi Province. Ticket prices for this concert range from 30,000 won ($21) to 50,000 won. For comparison, tickets for Lim's nationwide recital tour last year ranged from 60,000 won to 140,000 won. Since his historic win at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2022 as the youngest winner in the competition's history, Lim's performances have become some of the most sought-after concerts, selling out quickly. His rising global profile has also made his performances highly attractive for corporate sponsorships and partnerships, which are frequently allocated a portion of the tickets. However, the recitals in Goyang will be held without sponsors or corporate partnerships. "We invite you to share in the warmth of the artist's heartfelt intentions and join us for this meaningful event, where the spirit of giving through music comes to life," the agency said. To ensure fair access, the agency said that tickets to all three concerts will go on sale simultaneously, preventing single buyers from amassing multiple tickets. Ticket sales begin at 3 p.m. on Friday at the Goyang Cultural Foundation website and Ticketlink. At Goyang Aramnuri, Lim will play Bach's Goldberg Variations, a piece he has chosen as the centerpiece of his repertoire this season. He has been performing it across North America and Europe, with a recital scheduled at New York's Carnegie Hall in April. In Korea, his only previously planned performance of this piece was at the Tongyeong International Music Festival on March 30. In addition to the Goldberg Variations, he will also present '...Round and velvety-smooth blend..,' a piece he commissioned from Lee Hanulij, a 19-year-old rising composer. Lee has already garnered international recognition, winning top prizes, including first place at the Bartok World Competition last November. The March 28 concert at the Tongyeong Concert Hall, organized by the Tongyeong International Music Foundation, is an invitation-only event exclusively for youngsters in the region. This year's artist-in-residence of the Tongyeong International Music Festival will perform with the Tongyeong Festival Orchestra under conductor Fabien Gabel. The program includes Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2.
